By David 
Leaders spend their time managing the workplace, making sure
everything goes smoothly and evaluating their employees. But, when you’re
always the one doing evaluations, who evaluates your own performance? In this article,
entrepreneur and leader Ryan Rock reveals three things
you can do to improve yourself as a member of your business or company when you
don’t have the option of being evaluated by someone in a higher position than
you. From there, you can reach goals and continue to enhance the company by
being self-aware.
Here are a few tips on how to evaluate yourself shared by Ryan Rock, Ankeny native:
- Try to Remain Neutral
This may be the most difficult, but it is the most important
to keep in mind.
Maintaining a neutral standpoint on yourself means you’ll be
more open to change and advice on improvement. If you are convinced you cannot
do any wrong, then issues may begin to appear, as this can not only create
friction in the workplace, but it can also prevent yourself from improving both
as a person and as a leader.
Additionally, try and evaluate yourself as you would with
your employees. Ask yourself, “if an employee did this, how would I feel about
this?” And try and answer that question honestly. Proofread your work with a
critical eye, rather than immediately approve it without giving it a second
thought. Hold yourself to standards that are higher than the ones you expect
employees to have. That is how you remain neutral.
- Give Employees Chances to Evaluate You
If there is no one ranking above you, then ask those under
you for feedback. Having constructive criticism can highlight the areas that
you’re doing well in and the areas where you need to improve upon.
The trick to making employee feedback work is to ensure that
everything they say is completely anonymous and confidential. No one wants to
say something negative about their boss if they think it could come back to
them, even if it’s something that could ultimately make progress in the
company.
Today, there are plenty of online tools to help with this. A
simple online search will show plenty of websites that your employees can log in to in
order to leave feedback.
Otherwise, have your secretary type up written feedback absent of names to keep
things anonymous.
- Do Plenty of Self-Reflection
On top of having a neutral standpoint, it’s important to
constantly reflect on yourself and check that what you’re doing is meeting the
company’s standards and goals.
Whether you’re the one who started the company or you were
hired on later, it’s important to make sure everything is done according to the
company’s original vision. Getting the employees on board can help you stay
grounded and keep you accountable for this.
About Ryan Rock:
In 2018, Ryan Rock, Ankeny resident, launched a general design-build
contracting company that provides services to industries such as agricultural,
biofuels, industrial, and commercial. With a Bachelor of Science in Finance
from Iowa State University, Rock strives to complete any project with the
highest quality at the lowest cost.
SME Paid Under
Adam 
Editorialist Team 
Headlines Team