You’re an industrial engineer. How can you make performance evaluation work for you?

2 Gather your evidence

Once you know your criteria, you need to gather evidence that demonstrates your achievements and contributions. Evidence can be quantitative or qualitative, such as data, reports, feedback, testimonials, awards, recognition, or certificates. You should also document any challenges, obstacles, or problems that you faced and how you solved them. Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to organize and present your evidence in a clear and concise way.

3 Highlight your impact

When you share your evidence, you should also highlight your impact on the system, process, or project that you worked on. How did you improve the performance, quality, or efficiency of the system or process? How did you save money, time, or resources? How did you increase customer satisfaction or loyalty? How did you support your team or organization? How did you align your work with the vision, mission, or values of your organization? Use numbers, percentages, or ratios to quantify your impact whenever possible.

4 Seek feedback

Performance evaluation is not a one-way street. You should also seek feedback from your manager, supervisor, client, peers, or stakeholders. Feedback can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis). It can also help you learn from your mistakes, celebrate your successes, and plan for your future. You should ask for specific, constructive, and actionable feedback that can help you improve your skills, knowledge, and performance. You should also be open-minded, respectful, and appreciative of the feedback that you receive.

5 Set your goals

Another important aspect of performance evaluation is setting your goals for the next period. Your goals should reflect your aspirations, interests, and values as an industrial engineer. They should also be aligned with the needs, priorities, and objectives of your organization or client. You should use the SMART framework to define your goals and the steps, resources, and support that you need to achieve them. You should also communicate your goals to your manager, supervisor, or client and seek their input and approval.

6 Review and improve

Performance evaluation is not a one-time event. It is a continuous process that requires regular review and improvement. You should monitor your progress, track your results, and update your evidence and impact throughout the year. You should also seek and provide feedback on an ongoing basis, not just during formal reviews. You should also review and adjust your goals as needed, depending on the changes, challenges, or opportunities that arise in your work environment. By doing so, you can make performance evaluation work for you and your career as an industrial engineer.