I have never really looked forward to evaluation time. Most of the time, I would much rather have my own evaluation than evaluate others. They are not fun. As a manager, though, conducting performance evaluations is part of the gig. I completed performance evaluations of my former team before I left my previous role. It was easier that way for HR, the new manager coming in, and likely, the team. And now in my current role, performance evals are upon us. Not again! Twice in one year?! Thankfully, though, the outgoing manager is conducting the evaluations and allowing me to sit in on the process to learn more about each team member and the evaluation process. I am very thankful for this learning experience because it is, indeed, rare.

I must say, though, that my perspective of performance evaluations has shifted over the last few weeks. What I once dreaded – mainly because it took so much time to complete and conduct evaluations – I now consider a trusted responsibility. What a shift! What caused the change? Simple. A leader. Likely without even knowing it, a system leader reminded everyone about evaluations, and in one quick breath and brief sentence, spoke to the managers saying, “Anyone who supervises people, evaluation truly is the gift you give your people.”

"Box with gift" by Robo Android via Flickr

Wait. What? Write that down, Joni.

I have thought about her statement many times over, and she is right. I am thankful for the gift of my own evaluation, receiving feedback of my work – what I do well and what I can improve upon. It is likely many others feel the same way. Amazing how one person shifted such a deep thought, changing my entire leadership perspective on the subject of…performance evaluation. Now that’s a gift. That’s leadership.