Standards of Performance
Things at work are still a bit uncomfortable as we continue to go through the annual performance review. I wrote about this in the January 30th entry, Have You Looked in the Mirror?
The discussions and arguments continued as people attempted to justify why they should have received a better review/pay increase than someone else. Unfortunately, most evaluation processes are always a bit subjective because of the individuals doing and being evaluated. What one person values as a strength another person will see as a weakness.
When you are evaluating and comparing the productivity or quality of different people’s efforts (and I’m thinking of how we parents evaluate and compare our children!) make sure you are evaluating the important factors and using a comparable standard for everyone.
For instance, I remember when my children first started doing chores, Beth was around 5-years old and Sean was 3. The task was to pick up and put away the toys left in the living room. Beth had an easier time of understanding what I wanted, how to do it and what the consequences were of not doing it. Sean, on the other hand, just wanted to play. He got distracted, he didn’t know where things went and he didn’t understand what a time out was.
It didn’t take me long to realize that I couldn’t judge both children on the same standards. It also didn’t take Beth long to realize that Sean wasn’t pulling his weight AND he wasn’t receiving the consequences of his actions.
All I could do was explain to her that when she was 3-years old she didn’t have to do any chores. Poor Sean was having to start 2 years earlier than her! This made her feel a bit better. 
Not everyone has the same abilities or experience. Not everyone has the same values or work ethic. But each of us can contribute to our families and workplace. And when there is a performance review, I hope you know what your value is and what contributions you make. Someelse may not recognize or value what you contribute, but that doesn’t make your contributions any less significant.
When you look for approval from the outside world you may not receive it. When you look for it within yourself, you will never be without it.
