What do you do if your performance evaluations aren't showcasing your IT consulting expertise?

Throughout my career, I've witnessed countless instances of poor goal-setting systems, engagement, & openness/honesty. Fancy frameworks are established only to become portals for empty rhetoric, oftentimes window dressing. Baseline and continually assess, vs. mid-year/year-end solely. When unfairly weighted in final performance evaluations and compensation, it is exacerbating! I cannot for the life of me comprehend this baffling business practice, witnessing the best and worst practices to date. Set clear goals and define the measure, ensuring alignment to the "true" metrics, not fairy dust! Limit yourself to three or four rock-solid goals, ensuring focus and results. Hold yourself and leadership accountable, MAKE IT MUTUAL or get out!

SMART Goal Setting:Specific: Define your goals clearly and precisely. Specify what you want to achieve and why it's important.Measurable: Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress and success. Use metrics or milestones to track your performance objectively.Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and within your capabilities. Set challenging targets but avoid setting yourself

Seeking feedback is equivalent to brushing your teeth. Don't do it, and negative consequences will result. In NYC, Mayor Kotch constantly asked, "How am I Doing?" He led with this, continually seeking feedback. Be it IT or any skill, seeking constructive feedback regularly keeps you fresh and alert. It enables the baseline for constant pivoting throughout your journey, not only Technology but teaming, basic skills such as socialization in environments, body language, and technical requisites for success. I am not sure why this article mentioned technology solely, but it is true for 100% of what you do in your professional and, might I add personal lives. Seek it from the right individuals, for charting your course effectively and grow!

Regular Feedback Seeking:Actively seek feedback from clients, managers, and peers on an ongoing basis, not just during formal performance reviews. Regular feedback helps you stay aligned with expectations and identify areas for improvement promptly.Be open and receptive to constructive criticism. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and learning.Ask for specific examples or instances to better understand the feedback and how you can apply it to enhance your performance.Express gratitude to feedback providers for their insights and time. Showing appreciation encourages open communication and future feedback.

Documenting and sharing your achievements ensures your expertise is accurately reflected in your evaluations. In my experience, keeping a detailed record of your contributions, including successful projects, solutions you've developed, and positive feedback from clients or colleagues, can provide concrete evidence of your expertise. One thing I’ve found helpful is to proactively share these achievements with your manager before evaluations, highlighting how your work aligns with team and organizational goals. A common mistake is to assume that your work will speak for itself without needing to advocate for yourself. For example, if you've implemented a new technology that increased efficiency, prepare a case study demonstrating the impact.

Keep Detailed Records:Maintain a comprehensive record of your project deliverables, outcomes, and impacts. Document key milestones, successful implementations, and measurable results achieved.Collect testimonials, awards, or recognition received from clients, colleagues, or industry peers that highlight your contributions and successes.

If your performance reviews don't adequately showcase IT consulting experience, perhaps it's time to upgrade and expand your skills. I would continue to invest in my professional development and training in IT consulting. I would attend training courses, conferences or seminars to improve skills and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry. I would also look for opportunities to get involved in meaningful or high-visibility projects that highlight your skills and experience in IT consulting. I would actively participate in projects that offer the opportunity to demonstrate one's value and consultancy skills.

Continuous Learning and Development:Invest time and effort in continuous learning by taking online courses, attending webinars, or enrolling in workshops related to emerging technologies, methodologies, or industry trends.Stay updated with relevant blogs, articles, and publications to keep abreast of the latest developments in IT consulting and related areas.Explore certification programs that can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise in specific technologies or domains.

Networking isn't just an activity; it's a vital skill. Embrace it with a "JUST DO IT" attitude for greater growth, achievements, and new perspectives. A solid network, both professionally and personally, should encompass diverse perspectives and thoughts. When cultivated with the right mix of people, it is a cornerstone for success. Akin to investing in a quality, enduring product, networking passes the test of time, paving the way smoothly. I've prioritized networking throughout my five-decade career and lifetime, by the special forces of people, eventually propelling me into their ranks. A robust network opens doors and facilitates advancement. It is undeniably crucial, yet often overlooked by emerging professionals. WHY?

Si mes évaluations de performance ne reflètent pas mon expertise en conseil en TI, je prendrais l'initiative d'engager une conversation constructive avec mes superviseurs pour discuter de mes contributions spécifiques, des résultats que j'ai obtenus et des compétences que j'ai démontrées dans ce domaine. Je mettrais en avant mes réalisations tangibles et chercherais à clarifier tout malentendu ou toute lacune dans l'évaluation. Je pourrais également proposer des exemples concrets de mon travail et solliciter des occasions de développement professionnel supplémentaires pour renforcer ma visibilité et ma reconnaissance en tant qu'expert en conseil en TI au sein de l'organisation.