[orleenz]

Hi all - I'm new here to this site, and want to pick your brains about something.

A little background - I started this position as an EA about 10 months ago. Our review process is very "corporate like" where we have to fill out our accomplishments, goals, etc.

The problem is - I'm at a loss of what to say or how to say things, if that makes ANY sense. When I came on board - my immediate project was an office move, where I was in charge of the construction, moving, the contractor, etc etc. That went off without a hitch (for the most part), but surely that isn't my only accomplishment.

Do you consider what you do everyday an accomplishment? Do you consider taking things as they are and improving them an accomplishment, or part of what your position requires? I see what I do and how I do it - but to me, they are hardly accomplishments - they are what I call "doing my job and doing it well".

Any thoughts on this would be appreciated

Thanks,
Deborah

[Chrissy Scivicque]

Deborah -

Great question and one that I struggled with in my last review. I had to do the exact same thing. I decided that yes, everyday activities that are part of your job are still accomplishments if you do them exceptionally. The accomplishment is WHAT HAPPENED that let you know it was exceptional. For example, if you provide excellent client service everyday (which is a part of your job description) the accomplishment is when you receive a letter of praise from a client.

I also think it is perfectly appropriate to recognize yourself for the item you mentioned above - taking things as they are and improving them. Choose a specific instance in which you did that to illustrate your point.

Also, don't be afraid to recognize your struggles and how you overcame them. In my position, I had some issues communicating with my boss. So in my review, I said that one of my accomplishments was recognizing the issue, asking for assistance and working through the problem in partnership with my boss.

Lastly, I would also recommend including some of the everyday accomplishments that are probably taken for granted: performed well under pressure, met deadlines, exceeded expectations in a specific large and important task. Be as specific as possible but even those generic ones are things to be proud of! Don't be afraid to make yourself really shine!!

[NicoleMiller]

I would definitely consider making improvements to the current process an accomplishment. You are saving the company money by streamlining processes and making more efficient use of your time.

[GeeBee]

I dislike performance appraisals...there I said it. I feel your anxiety and confusion. Too many times corporations have an expectation towards having performance appraisals completed with little or no education given to the employee who is expected to fill out the form. I suggest getting advice from someone who has already gone through this process at your corporation, a mentor. They should be able to assist you by providing insight into your corporations expectations. If you have a Human Resources department, don't be afraid to approach them for advice. Usually they are only too willing to help out.

Also to answer some of your quesitons above, anytime you take a process and improve upon it you have accomplished something. The real test to the new improved process is time and feedback. Take care in supplying many unproven accomplishments on your review. It sounds like you are new to the position (under a year)- utilizing sound achievements like your office move is a great way to support an accomplishment. For example you could relate this move to your ability to do project managment. Highlight specific skills - requests for proposals, contract negotiations, change management, cost and budget management, Gantt timelines, etc. Another highlight could be exceptional organizational skills - coordination of move (within timeline), office design and space utilization, budget and administration. I hope this sparks some ideas.

One more bit of advice - from this point forward make a list (keep it handy and add to/refer to it daily) write down anything you believe is an achievement, shows your specific talents and/or highlights your abilities. Also, keep a list of courses, seminars, education, etc. that would benefit you, allow you to become more efficient or spur you forward on your career path. Come next review you will have an abundance of background information to choose from.