Evaluating personal success at work is a multifaceted process involving both tangible achievements and intangible contributions, assessed against individually defined goals and broader organizational objectives. It's a continuous reflection, not a one-time event.
Defining Personal Success
The first crucial step is to define what success personally means to you within your current role and the overall context of your career. This involves asking yourself:
- What are my values? How does my work align with them?
- What are my career goals? How does my current role contribute to them?
- What skills do I want to develop? Am I making progress in these areas?
- What impact do I want to have? Am I making a difference?
Key Metrics and Performance Indicators
Once you've defined your personal success, identify key metrics and performance indicators (KPIs) that allow you to track your progress. These metrics should be:
- Specific: Clearly defined and measurable.
- Measurable: Quantifiable whenever possible.
- Achievable: Realistic and attainable.
- Relevant: Aligned with your goals and organizational objectives.
- Time-bound: Defined with a timeframe for achievement.
Examples of KPIs might include:
- Meeting project deadlines
- Exceeding sales targets
- Improving customer satisfaction scores
- Completing professional development courses
- Receiving positive feedback from colleagues and supervisors
Intangible Contributions
Beyond quantifiable metrics, consider the intangible contributions you make:
- Teamwork: Are you a supportive and collaborative team member?
- Initiative: Do you proactively identify and solve problems?
- Leadership: Do you inspire and motivate others?
- Mentorship: Do you guide and support junior colleagues?
- Positive Attitude: Do you contribute to a positive work environment?
These intangible contributions are often difficult to measure directly, but they are crucial for overall success and career progression. Seeking feedback from colleagues and supervisors can provide valuable insight into these areas.
Seeking Feedback and Regular Review
Regularly solicit feedback from your manager, peers, and direct reports. This feedback provides valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses, and it can help you identify areas for improvement. Schedule regular performance reviews and use them as an opportunity to discuss your progress, address any challenges, and set new goals.
A Structured Approach
| Area of Focus | Questions to Ask | Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Are my current goals aligned with my personal definition of success? | Review personal goals against company objectives; self-assessment. |
| Metrics | Am I meeting or exceeding my key performance indicators? | Track KPIs regularly; compare performance against targets. |
| Intangibles | Am I contributing positively to the team and work environment? | Seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors; self-reflection. |
| Growth | Am I learning new skills and developing professionally? | Track professional development activities; assess skill improvement through project performance and feedback. |
| Impact | Am I making a difference in my role and for the organization? | Evaluate the impact of your work on organizational goals and outcomes; seek testimonials or recognition for contributions. |
By consistently reviewing your progress against these criteria, you can gain a clear understanding of your personal success at work and make adjustments as needed to achieve your goals.
