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From the Field
Fields Of Success Newsletter
December 9, 2009     
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Dear From the Field Subscribers,  
 
The 2009 fiscal year for most companies will end December 31.  Focus for the remainder of this year will be on reporting and evaluating 2009 performance - earnings, revenues, financial position and EVA (Economic Value Added).  Focus will also be on improving 2010 performance versus 2009.
 
For employees, focus will be on their annual performance appraisals and merit pay raises.
  • Did I meet or exceed expectations?
  • What will be my merit pay increase?
  • Will I get a raise?
This edition of From the Field revisits the personal performance management suggestions that were included in the March 11 edition. These suggestions will help you evaluate your 2009 performance rating and position yourself to achieve a higher rating in 2010. 
Performance: Closing 2009, Opening 2010   
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My performance exceeded expectations and I want to repeat this performance in 2010.
 
I met expectations, but believe I could have achieved a higher rating.
 
I did not meet expectations. 
 
Your performance ratings will be determined by how well you managed the expectations of the individuals who rate your performance.  As you receive your 2009 rating, I suggest that you ask yourself the following questions.
  • Was there a clear and common understanding of expectations between my manager and me?
  • Did I expect the rating or was it a surprise?
  • Looking back to what I knew at the beginning of 2009, did I really have a chance of meeting or exceeding the expectations?
If you met or exceeded expectations and your answers to the questions were yes, you did an excellent job managing your performance.  Congratulations!
 
If you met or exceeded expectations and your answers to the questions were no, you are lucky.  You dodged a bullet!
 
If you did not meet expectations and your answers were no, you are not lucky and managing your performance in 2010 is imperative.  
 
Following are suggestions that can help you address your 2009 appraisal and manage your 2010 performance.
  • Ensure that your manager and you have a common understanding of performance expectations.  You both should have the same answers to the following questions:
    • What will you specifically deliver? 
    • What will be the criteria for determining how well you delivered? 
    • Are the support, resources and funding adequate to achieve the performance objectives? 
    • When will the objectives be completed? 
    • How will we know that the objectives have been completed?
  • Set expectations that you can meet.  Remember the axiom, under promise/over deliver.  Avoid Aquarius expectations.  (Aquarius is the 1960s popular song that described the dawning of a magnificent age when the moon is in the 7th hour and Jupiter aligns with Mars.)  Heroes may die earning medals.  Those who deliver get raises and continue to live.
  • Write the appraisal that you would like to receive at the end of the appraisal period and keep it visible to keep you focused on the results that you want to achieve. 
  • Establish performance milestones that you should reach during the appraisal period to ensure that you stay on your performance path and on schedule.  Milestones also alert you to the need to make adjustments or renegotiate the terms of your performance evaluation. 
  • Develop your Performance Monitoring System (PMS) to gauge your progress.  Your PMS could include quarterly performance reviews conducted with a peer, mentor or coach.  These reviews may alert you to blind spots, things that may impact your performance but you may be overlooking.  

Success does not happen by chance. 

Are you concerned about your 2009 performance appraisal and your performance outlook for 2010? 
 
What other challenges are you facing?
 
Fields of Success may be able to help you.  You can initiate this assistance by visiting the Fields of Success website to schedule a free introductory coaching session.   
 
Click here to visit Fields of Success website. 
 
 
Linwood Bailey
Principal
Fields of Success
Career Management Partners
Input from Our Most Valued Source: You! 
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One Burning Question 
 
I need your help. 
 
If you could ask one question about managing your career, what would it be?
 
Please send your questions to foscoaching@att.net.
 
Thanks!
About Fields of Success 
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Fields of Success provides insight, solutions and results to assist individuals and organizations with the accomplishment of their goals.
 
Fields of Success provides value to its customers through the delivery of coaching products and services.  The company focuses on satisfying the needs of entry to middle management level professionals.
 
Fields of Success offers the been there factor.  Fields of Success has experienced and migrated through many of the challenges that business professionals encounter.   
 
Click here to visit Fields of Success website 
Contact Us  
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Do you have other things that you would like to discuss to increase your effectiveness and manage your career? 
 
Please click here to initiate a free introductory discussion with Fields of Success
 
About From the Field  
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Fields of Success issues From the Field semi-monthly.  From the Field provides suggestions, ideas and tips focused on helping business professionals increase their effectiveness and manage their careers. 
 
Please feel free to forward From the Field to your colleagues, associates and friends by clicking on the Forward email link at the bottom of this newsletter.   
 
Please click here to read previous editions of From the Field
Holiday Greetings
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Thank you for subscribing to From the Field.  I hope that the information has helped you manage your career and increase your effectiveness during 2009.
 
I wish you a Happy Holiday Season and Best Wishes for 2010.
 
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Contact Information
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phone: (574) 273-0358
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