Study after study shows that effective employees continually assess and seek to improve their own knowledge, skills and behavior. Personal self-assessment plays a major role in career development and performance improvement by allowing employees to identify and act upon their strengths and weaknesses.
Consider the following scenarios:
John aspired to have his boss's job. When his boss transferred to another organization, John was promoted to his boss's position. Things turned sour from the start. In his new position, John was required to make frequent presentations and speeches. He had always feared public speaking. John eventually learned to perform these speaking assignments, but never felt comfortable in doing so. He ultimately began to hate his job.
Senior management requested Mary to take on a project that would require extensive analysis of problems. Mary balked because the project was "outside her field." The project was assigned to Joan, another manager. Later, Mary observed the project activities and kicked herself; Joan was getting to perform the task that Mary liked to perform best--problem analysis.
Bill was interviewed for a position that represented a huge promotion for him--a lot more money and responsibility. However, during the interview process, Bill determined that the job wasn't a good match for him. He wouldn't be able to use the techniques that had made him successful. He withdrew his name from consideration. Later, Bill said, "It was tough to turn down, but it was one of the smartest things I've done. I would have been miserable in that job and probably would have failed."
John and Mary made career-limiting mistakes. Bill avoided making a career-limiting mistake. The difference among these managers is that John and Mary had not adequately identified their strengths and weaknesses, while Bill had.
To maximize your potential for improvement and growth, you must determine your strengths and weaknesses. You (not your boss, your employees or co-workers) are in the best position to identify your personal strengths and weaknesses. The key to identification is complete honesty. If you are ready to take an objective look at yourself, there are numerous self-assessment books and tools that can help you gain a thorough understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, style, and career interests. Whether or not you use any self-assessment instruments, the following principles apply when performing a personal self-assessment.
Be true to yourself
To generate useful information, personal self-assessments must be founded in honesty.
Take your time
A hasty self-assessment will typically produce superficial results, such as "I have good work habits."
Be specific
Be specific in defining your strengths and weaknesses. "I frequently daydream when employees are talking to me," is much more valuable than, "I have poor communication skills."
Focus on behavior
Behavior is much easier to change than opinions and attitudes. "I don't provide enough positive feedback to employees" is easier to change than "I think the value of feedback is overrated."
Accept the results
None of us are perfect. Yet, many individuals are devastated or angered when personal self-assessments show they have areas in which they can improve.
Seek input from others
No self-assessment instrument is perfect. If you have reason to question the results of a self-assessment instrument, ask for input from others. Example: "The assessment instrument indicates that I sometimes make critical decisions without obtaining input from others. Have you observed that behavior?"
Use the results
A self-assessment is worthless unless you take action upon the information. Establish realistic personal goals to improve your weak areas and maximize your strengths. Remember that learning and development is lifelong process.
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