The Benefits of Employee Self-Reviews

Conventional reviews tend to focus on the very high performers and those whose performance is below average. But what happens to the people in between? Self-reviews provide a forum for the entire

Another problem that arises during reviews is the inability for managers and their staff members to reach a consensus with regards to the meaning of "good performance." Self-reviews, however, give people an opportunity to expand and redefine terms like "good performance" and "areas of improvement." They allow employees to focus on elements of performance that are important to them. As a result, fewer disputes may arise or, at the very least, differences of opinion can be more easily discussed.

Self-reviews take advantage of an employee's familiarity with his or her work. They also allow the person to participate in the process, resulting in more employee accountability. Self-reviews give employees a chance to examine and clarify their goals. Further, these evaluations offer respondents a means for pinpointing areas of weakness, which can later be addressed in a conversation between an employee and his or her manager. Indeed, follow-up and a professional exchange between a worker and a manager can enhance the professional relationship, add to an employee's sense of value, and, ultimately, further the company's strategic mission.