Personal Style

Meets/Exceeds Expectations

Willingly accepts constructive criticism

Always displays a high level of enthusiasm, humor, and spontaneity

Consistently looks for ways of improving performance

Respects others’ differences

Encourages openness in information sharing

“Lives to work” rather than “works to live”

Displays a genuine appreciation for her job

Always has a “can do” attitude

Demonstrates a keen eye for detail

Works well in a large bureaucratic system

Always exudes a high level of self-confidence

Respects both the letter and the spirit of company policies

Uses diplomacy and tact in dealing with staff and clients

Likes neatness and order at work

Has a well-deserved reputation for accuracy and completeness

Effectively diffuses high tension situations

Demonstrates selflessness in putting others’ needs before his own

Analyzes successes and failures for clues to improvement

Serves as an excellent source of institutional knowledge

Builds constructive and supportive relationships with peers

Does not let personal disagreements interfere with the work at hand

Asks insightful and penetrating questions

Exemplifies commitment, discipline, and a solid work ethic

Demonstrates patience when confronted with organizational shortcomings

Sees how things can be done rather than why they can’t be done

Uses humor to ease tension

Is able to acknowledge her own shortcomings

Goes the extra mile to put others at ease

Demonstrates a high level of energy, drive, and determination

Is sought out by others for advice and counsel

Needs Improvement

Prefers to work alone

Often uses sarcastic and offensive humor

Takes rejection too personally

Is too hard on herself

Has a reputation for being cynical and moody

Prefers to keep others at arms’ length

Gets mired in minutia and tedious detail

Over-relies on his engaging personality rather than substantive work

Tends to pit individuals against one another

Engages in rumors and talks behind people’s backs

Doesn’t know when to confront and when to hold back

Takes criticism as a personal affront and becomes very defensive

Antagonizes others by showing a superior attitude

Often lets her anger, frustration, and anxiety show

Tends to be hypercritical of others

Appears to be stuck in a comfort zone and won’t take risk

Tends to make excuses rather than dealing with problems head on

Has developed a reputation for being a complainer and whiner

Has difficulty turning theoretical vision into workable practice

Gets sidetracked as soon as a more exciting challenge comes along

Flits from activity to activity without tying up loose ends

Readily assigns blame to others

Has a penchant for overcomplicating matters

Makes inappropriate and offensive comments and gestures

Often is too free with confidential information

Lets things fall through the cracks

Sometimes seeks change for change’s sake

Rationalizes away mistakes

Personal Style Goals

Become more comfortable dealing with authority

Always remain in control even in the face of urgent deadlines

Avoid becoming frustrated by your own or others’ shortcomings

Pick up on social cues and learn to read people accurately

Learn to say no forcefully rather than passing tasks up the line

Allow others to finish their thoughts before rebutting their arguments

Become more effective at managing others’ expectations

Never get personally involved in others’ conflicts

Design three development goals that you know you can achieve

Make conscious effort to “lighten up” your style

Assume responsibility for a problem rather than blaming others

Become a more positive influence on coworkers

Accept the challenge of change in a dynamic environment

Become more proficient in the use of new technology

Learn to plan instead of flying by the seat of your pants

Become more efficient at drafting documents and proposals

Produce results without getting bogged down in red tape

Be patient when dealing with crises and chaos

Pick your battles wisely

Learn to laugh more

Be willing to take risks

Never resent requests to do something outside of your normal duties

Remain flexible when faced with last-minute changes in plan

Take constructive criticism in stride and avoid appearing defensive

Serve as a role model of service and professionalism

Remain productive and results-oriented

Model an appropriate sense of urgency

Practice multitasking rather than performing “one task at a time”