Training – If you are looking to thrive in your role or career then book onto the Non-Medical Appraisal Training to really see how effective performance management can help you to do this. Training dates and information can be found here

Preparation – During the year, keep daily, or weekly notes of compliments, thanks, achievements, challenges overcome, how you have upheld each of the Trust’s values and progress on your objectives. Often when asked about our achievements over the past year, we tend to only recall the last 3 months. This can leave many achievements unrecognised. Use your experiences to help you to develop and shape your future by REFLECTING

Reflection – Self-reflection is necessary to help us to be the very best version of ourselves. It gives us a better understanding of ourselves, our knowledge, understanding, skills, competencies, and behaviours. From this we can plan what we need to do next to succeed. Look at your experiences and challenges and reflect. Ask yourself questions such as

• What was the situation?
• Where did it take place? (Think of the environment / surroundings)
• When did it happen? (Did the day, time impact on your actions / the outcome?)
• What did you do / actions taken?
• Why did you choose this way?
• What was the outcome?
• How did you feel? (How did this impact on your actions and how did you feel after?)
• Who else was involved / supported you?
• What may you do differently next time?
• What is your learning from situation?

Make self-reflection a regular activity. The more you do it, the easier it will become.

 Performance Related Conversations – Think of all the many times that you have performance related conversations. They don’t always have to be in a formal environment, but can include receiving feedback from colleagues, managers, patients/ other stakeholders. It could be a task related conversation, or a chat over a brew, a MT Teams call, Clinical Supervision, one-ones, huddles, and team meetings.

The Appraisal Questionnaire – At least 2 weeks before your appraisal meeting with your appraiser, complete the ‘Pre-Review’ and ‘Self-Assessment’ Section of the appraisal. This is where you can use your notes and reflections to focus on key achievements over the past 12 months, behavioural skills, challenges, new ideas and aspirations for the future.

 The Appraisal Meeting – Remain objective, listen to your appraiser’s point of view, and remain positive. Remember this is not the time to be raising any grievances or issues with colleagues; these should be raised at the time. This is your opportunity to discuss your achievements and aspirations.

Objective Setting – When setting your next objectives with your appraiser, make sure you are clear as to what is expected, that you feel able to achieve it and when is should be achieved by. Remember, objectives should be SMART!

 Have questions prepared – good examples of questions to ask at a performance review include:

• What steps do I need to take to reach the next level?
• What should I be doing to help with the department’s priorities and objectives?
• Which courses and training should I be considering? (From here you can go on to discuss whether your manager can help support you – financially or otherwise – with this training).

 Final tip – This is your opportunity to shout from the rooftop what you have achieved and what your aspirations are for the future. Own your appraisal, be proactive and achieve everything you can!

Good luck!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Organisational Development Team at bfwh.orgdevelopment@nhs.net