Part of MSU\u2019s appeal as a residential, land-grant institution is our vast array of programs, specializations, and priorities \u2014 not just for students, but for staff and faculty. This diversity makes us great, and it also requires a need for case-by-case definitions of success and achievement from unit to unit, and from person to person. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One way to ensure you, your supervisor, and the university are recognizing and recording your efforts is to tell your story through the Performance Excellence (PE) process. When many of us in non-supervisory, support staff roles discuss PE at MSU, we\u2019re thinking of a supervisor-led annual review. In reality, PE encompasses an ongoing cycle of:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Below are suggestions for ways to engage as an employee in the PE process and tell your story with confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On one hand, we know each employee\u2019s experience and accomplishments extend well beyond quantitative data and one review each year. On the other hand, we also know that specific measurements \u2014 especially those backed by accurate, numerical data \u2014 are a powerful and widely accepted way to determine success.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One way to ensure the full picture of your story is told during the PE process is to take the lead when it comes to your own goal setting and measurement. Setting\u202fSMART, HARD goals<\/a>\u202fis a great place to start. Consider the following: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Goals are not something that should be determined solely by a supervisor and then assigned and evaluated once a year during your review discussion or performance planning session. Generating and adapting goals throughout the year is a collaborative process and one way you can contribute toward the narrative of your achievements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Read related article: When SMART Meets HARD: Setting Goals that Matter<\/em><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting and measuring goals is a great place to start, but tracking and documenting your progress toward these goals is key. Block off some time on your calendar to regularly check results, generate data and document your progress in a way that makes the most sense for you and your role. You know your work, efforts, and accomplishments better than anyone else, which makes you the ideal person to collect and report this information.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read related article: What\u2019s Your Plan? Six Steps to Align Your Goals with What\u2019s Important to You<\/em><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this environment of rapid change, it\u2019s more important than ever to regularly check in with your supervisor to discuss progress, review and reevaluate goals, and receive feedback. Regular, continuous coaching allows an opportunity for you to reconnect to your unit\u2019s and the university\u2019s mission and ensure your goals continue to be aligned with this larger vision and objectives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a university, we are working to shift the perception of PE from one yearly review to a wider focus on ongoing coaching, feedback, and goal setting. There\u2019s no need to wait for your supervisor to schedule a meeting for you to touch base on these topics. You have the option of reaching out to your supervisor and setting up check-ins on a schedule that works for both of you. Even a brief 15-minute check-in can go a long way toward staying on track with goals and sharing the story of your work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n TIPS<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Did you know that, as support staff, you have the opportunity to contribute toward all your PE discussions and submit documentation to include along with your official review forms? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Review documentation that is imaged and kept on file with central HR includes your reviews (annual, probationary, and interim) and performance improvement plans. You have the option to include a self-review and\/or other statements along with your documents on file. On an ongoing basis, this may be a summary that features the data you\u2019ve been tracking throughout the year to share specific achievements and outcomes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n HR\u2019s Organization and Professional Development (OPD) department offers online PE resources and documents geared toward both employees<\/a> \u202fand supervisors<\/a> that can help guide and support you in all components of the PE process. OPD is in the process of reworking this online content for greater accessibility, inclusivity, and usefulness for all support staff, and we look forward to sharing these changes with you later this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional, recommended resources are listed below. Your MAU\u2019s HR representative, central HR and OPD, and your union representatives are all available to work with you and help you share your story should you need specific guidance or assistance at any point during the PE cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
2) Track and Document Your Accomplishments<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3) Schedule Regular Check-ins<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4) Contribute Toward Your Review<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
TIPS <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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5) Utilize Your Resources<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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