How to know what colleagues think of my work?
17 March 2009
Read by 2524 persons
I am an IT technician in a large group. My interventions are always urgent. So, I never know if employees are satisfied with my work. How can I approach this question with them?
I often say that at work, we are increasingly in a world of transaction and not of relationship. By transaction, I mean that we have contacts with others, but that these contacts serve to answer questions, check a service request, inform people on technical points, etc. Despite these exchanges and this communication, we do not enter into a relationship with others. It is therefore difficult to find the time, the context and sometimes the courage to ask the question, what do you think of my work and my service?
Your question clearly shows that the need for recognition is important to develop self-esteem, gain confidence, enhance oneself or improve one's work. But how do you do it when this recognition does not come naturally? I understand that you don't want to appear as a person who lacks confidence or who gets bogged down in small things. Here are some ideas to explore and some tips to practice.
• Discuss with your boss the possibility of meeting internal clients to talk about the quality and efficiency of your work. He may be able to help you or be interested in the results of your initiative
• Inform your internal clients that you wish to conduct a short evaluation of the services you offer and that you want to meet them. Set an appointment, this moment is important for you, so don't do it on the corner of a table and between two meetings.
• When you meet people, don't ask the question directly: What do you think of me? They will probably be uncomfortable and say that everything is fine. Or they will stammer a quick answer like: It's fine! It's fine!
• If you want a slightly more honest evaluation, I suggest you approach it by talking about the work done and not about yourself directly. Plan meetings and talk about specific cases: How was the last IT troubleshooting I did for you? Did the problem occur again? Did I respond quickly enough?
• During these meetings to assess your work, you will be able to connect with the person, develop a common understanding and a certain ease. If you wish, nothing prevents you from asking this person what they think of you towards the end of the meeting. You can also ask them if they have any particular advice or comments.
• Take notes during the meeting, do an assessment. Think about the actions or behaviors that could improve your service.
• The day after the meeting, send a short email to thank them for their time. Tell them not to hesitate to call on you for their technical problems.
If you establish communication based on relationship and not only on transaction, you will notice that your future contacts with this person will no longer be the same. There will probably be greater openness and a more human side to the technical support you offer and that they request.
This short exercise in recognition will be beneficial for you, your self-esteem and the quality of your work. At the same time, you will enrich your exchanges with your internal clients.
Inform your internal clients that you wish to conduct a short evaluation of the services you offer and that you want to meet them. Set an appointment, this moment is important for you, so don't do it on the corner of a table and between two meetings.
Posted on March 16, 2009
lexpansion.com
I often say that at work, we are increasingly in a world of transaction and not of relationship. By transaction, I mean that we have contacts with others, but that these contacts serve to answer questions, check a service request, inform people on technical points, etc. Despite these exchanges and this communication, we do not enter into a relationship with others. It is therefore difficult to find the time, the context and sometimes the courage to ask the question, what do you think of my work and my service?
Your question clearly shows that the need for recognition is important to develop self-esteem, gain confidence, enhance oneself or improve one's work. But how do you do it when this recognition does not come naturally? I understand that you don't want to appear as a person who lacks confidence or who gets bogged down in small things. Here are some ideas to explore and some tips to practice.
• Discuss with your boss the possibility of meeting internal clients to talk about the quality and efficiency of your work. He may be able to help you or be interested in the results of your initiative
• Inform your internal clients that you wish to conduct a short evaluation of the services you offer and that you want to meet them. Set an appointment, this moment is important for you, so don't do it on the corner of a table and between two meetings.
• When you meet people, don't ask the question directly: What do you think of me? They will probably be uncomfortable and say that everything is fine. Or they will stammer a quick answer like: It's fine! It's fine!
• If you want a slightly more honest evaluation, I suggest you approach it by talking about the work done and not about yourself directly. Plan meetings and talk about specific cases: How was the last IT troubleshooting I did for you? Did the problem occur again? Did I respond quickly enough?
• During these meetings to assess your work, you will be able to connect with the person, develop a common understanding and a certain ease. If you wish, nothing prevents you from asking this person what they think of you towards the end of the meeting. You can also ask them if they have any particular advice or comments.
• Take notes during the meeting, do an assessment. Think about the actions or behaviors that could improve your service.
• The day after the meeting, send a short email to thank them for their time. Tell them not to hesitate to call on you for their technical problems.
If you establish communication based on relationship and not only on transaction, you will notice that your future contacts with this person will no longer be the same. There will probably be greater openness and a more human side to the technical support you offer and that they request.
This short exercise in recognition will be beneficial for you, your self-esteem and the quality of your work. At the same time, you will enrich your exchanges with your internal clients.
Inform your internal clients that you wish to conduct a short evaluation of the services you offer and that you want to meet them. Set an appointment, this moment is important for you, so don't do it on the corner of a table and between two meetings.
Posted on March 16, 2009
lexpansion.com
