Stellar Tips On Conducting An Employee Performance Review

Whether you like it or not, performance review season is upon us! This presents an opportunity for employees to manifest their strengths and accomplishments. It highlights their value to the organization. In its core, employee performance review is a critical tool that will significantly impact professional development and job security.

#1: ESTABLISH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Establishing a system to measure the performance of employees is necessary before you can accurately evaluate each one. Performance standards encompasses how a job is expected to be done. These standards apply across the board without exemptions (i.e., to every employee holding the same position). Ensure that your standards arre achievable in a given timeframe.

#2: SOLICIT 360-DEGREE FEEDBACK

360-degree feedback is one of my favorite evaluation tools. Why is this so? It provides a clear view of how the person interacts with the boss, co-workers, clients, or any reporting staff. It solicits feedback from people who have worked closely with the employee. They know the employee best.

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Start getting information by opening informal discussions. Then, provide a feedback form that the participants will complete. If your company uses a form, please give this document in advance.

#3: CREATE EMPLOYEE GOALS

The beauty of employee goals lies in its individualistic nature. Employee goals are tailored to each employee. It will depends on one’s knowledge, experiences, strengths, and weaknesses. Seek professional help when figuring out what goals are appropriate and reasonable.

Write down the specific goals for each employee and hand these out. This way, they will have an idea on how to achieve a positive evaluation next time.

#4: EMPLOY THE SANDWICH METHOD

Last but not the least, the spirit in which you approach this conversation will make or break the event. A genuine intention such as helping your employee improve can foster a positive relationship with the employee. In return, the conversation will be more effective and lighter.

During the review, please employ the sandwich method. Start with emphasizing how confident you are with his or her abilities to improve. Then, air out the areas that you need to strengthen. Lastly, spend more time on the positive aspects of his or her performance.

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Discussion about how an employee can continue to grow on one’s performance should comprise the majority of the time when it comes to evaluating “average performing” individuals. Just keep the discussion motivating.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Must-Read: Important Investment Questions Answered

WHY IS RISK TOLERANCE A FACTOR TO INVESTMENT?

Determining your preferences is the initial step to investing. Under it is risk tolerance. Risk tolerance is basically how much you are willing to gamble in any event. It can impact how you shape your portfolio. You see, the pressing need to acquire the money can make you shift towards conservative investments.

If you are worried that you are missing out on a higher earning potential, then your investments may be too conservative. On the other hand, constantly fearing the condition of your investments can mean that you are carrying too much risks. This is why you must quantify your risk tolerance by taking quizzes.

As I entered the investment scene under a renowned international institution, I was given a risk tolerance questionnaire with 16 questions. It helped me to identify the appropriate asset classes that suited my mindset.

CAN YOU RISK IT ALL BY PICKING YOUR OWN STOCKS?

I have to admit that becoming the mastermind of your portfolio sounds attractive. However, picking your own stocks can potentially become a disaster for newbie investors. Studies have shown that choosing your own stocks is almost always a losing proposition even for the professional traders. The risk versus the rewards of owning stocks are simply not in your favor.

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Why is this so? For starters, you are more likely to incur trading fees when you trade more stocks. This will eat any money you would make. Accept that you do not own a crystal ball. You cannot perfectly select the stellar companies over the dull ones. So, seek professional help whenever possible.

WHAT IS A BOND?

Whenever I give a talk about financial indepence, I always get asked about the different asset classes. Bonds is among the common ones. A bond is a fixed income investment in which an issuer or investor loans money to an entity. Entities such as companies or governments borrow the funds for a definite period of time, involving an interest rate. These bonds are used by said entities to raise money or finance a variety of projects.

For instance, an airline might take up a bond loan from the government if wants to purchase a variety of new planes. This type of loan involves a specific period and fixed investment rate. Said rate is determined by a number of factors such as the economy’s climate.

If you are comfortable with getting less money in return, then you will benefit from investing on bonds. You may think that bonds are less risky than others. However, this statement is not entirely true. Bonds are usually less risky than stocks when you are comparing products from the same issuing company. Institutions that offer bonds include Singapore Government Securities and ABF Singapore Bond Fund.

WHY IS IT CRUCIAL TO BE DIVERSIFIED?

By definition, diversification is the process of allocating capital in a way that reduces the exposure to any one particular asset or risk. Say that you invested all your money on one company. Your money will go down the drain when it goes bankrupt. Owning 2,000 shares from various companies can cushion the bankruptcy of two or more companies. It is essentially better to invest small pieces of wealth in multiple companies rather than investing it all in one.

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Simply put, diversification means that you will not put all your eggs in one investment basket. Being diversified applies to all the industries or asset classes that you will invest in. Try to invest a mix of stocks and bonds or a mix of industrial sectors. The broader your portfolio is, the more likely you are to weather a market storm.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Desk To Success: 7 Feng Shui Tips For The Workplace 

To widen your knowledge, I am introducing the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui. Feng Shui believes that everything in a person’s surrounding environment affects his or her inner life. Arranging one’s space can optimize his or her harmony with the universe.

Unfavorable effects should be taken into account when designing buildings or desks. Placement of objects in a room, building, or desk will affect the flow of chi or the essential energy within the space. Let the good chi radiate your desk with these tips…

LUCKY TIP #1: FAMILY FIRST

As cliche as this may sound, putting a family picture on your desk can help flourish your relationship with your family. Feng Shui principles suggest that you must put it on the left center of your desk. Amp up the positive energy by putting the picture in a wooden frame.

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LUCKY TIP #2: BOOSTED PROSPERITY

Listen to my instructions as prosperity has a particular arrangement. Go to the back left corner of your desk. This spot represents abundance. Attract money by placing a money or jade plant here. If you do not have a green thumb, opt for placing a valuable item such as a jar filled with loose change. You may place your well-functioning computer here.

LUCKY TIP #3: GLISTENING LIGHTS

Feng Shui principles are not limited to plants or frames! You may attract productiveness by choosing the proper lighting fixtures. Lighting will make your eyes less tired and make you feel less stressed out. Steer away from fluorescent lights can make your eyes sore. If you are stuck with these lights in your office, think about replacing them with table lamps or full-spectrum lights.

LUCKY TIP #4: LOVE MAGNET

Dating is a crucial part of our society. Just take a look at how modern technology re-invented the dating platform (swipe left). As a young adult, I have been asked by many people to help them find suitable mates. Inversely, I have been asked to take their friends or relatives out on a date.

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To attract a little love of your own, you may place fresh flowers on the back right corner of your desk. Flowers are believed to attract romance and luck.

LUCKY TIP #5: DE-CLUTTER EVERYTHING

It goes without saying that clutter causes fatigue. Having a mountain of files, garbage, and other documents on your desk can prevent you from getting the work done. Adding “sticky notes” on your desk can get more distracting, to say the least.

Clutter symbolizes anything unfinished, unresolved, tolerated, or disorganized in Feng Shui. If you have a messy and stinky desk, take a few minutes to clean it immediately. Doing so will help you increase your output and make you seem more approachable.

LUCKY TIP #6: TRANSPARENT WALLS

There is a fine line between exuding the approchable vibe and the lack of privacy. Having glass walls on your office can make you more accoountable for your actions. Thus, it will help with your productivity. This is especially helpful to people who have poor self-discipline.

On the other hand, glass walls gives a vulnerability that is only corrected by the protection of blinds. having blinds provides you an option of maximizing your privacy.

LUCKY TIP #7: ORIENTATION MASTER

As I have mentioned above, Feng Shui is all about the arrangement of items inside your space. To attract as much prosperity as possible, it is recommended to place your desk directly opposite the front door. If you do not have a private office, try to orient your desk to face the main door. This is a commanding position that offers protection.

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Say that your boss is not onboard with this change. Try putting a small mirror on your desk to reflect the office’s entrance. The principles of Feng Shui highlights that this arrangement symbolizes the opportunities that you will invite in the long run. You have to be able to notice the opportunities in order to seize them!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Thrive In The Workplace With These Personality Traits

When applying for a position, professional success and industry experience are merely parts of what the hiring manager wants to see. Elements which are harder to show are crucial for landing the job! I am referring to the personality traits that make you a good fit for the company.

Keeping the job with these personality traits is another story!

#1: INTEGRITY

It goes without saying that upholding moral principles is a desirable quality in the workplace. Hence, some hiring managers conduct integrity tests by providing situational questions. The employer needs to know that you can be trusted even without his or her presence.

Do you steal company pens on a regular basis? Or, do you leave early without saying a word? You may think that no one sees these subtle dishonesty, but you are wrong. You never know who is watching you! You best behave well. Choosing the “right” thing to do is challenging, but you must not give in to your selfish desires.

#2: OPENNESS TO FEEDBACK

When it comes to the workplace, being open to receive developmental feedback or constructive criticism is crucial to success. Receiving these messages can help you to efficiently hit your career goals.

The secret to receiving and giving feedback is to come into the conversation from a place of kindness. Keep in mind that you are not receiving constructive criticism because the person dislikes you. Instead, this person wants you to be the best version of yourself. Taking things personally or reacting defensively can surpress a more practical strategy that you can adapt.

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For people who are not comfortable with receiving feedback, immersion therapy is recommended. Make feedback a part of your daily life. Ask feedback from the people you work with as well as the people who knows you best. This way, future feedback will be easier to take.

#3: ADAPTABILITY

Whether you are shuffling a schedule with your pregrant co-worker or relocating to a new town, nobody wants to listen to your complaints. Accepting that change is a part of the constantly-evolving business world is important.

Say that you are not comfortable with the frequent changes happening in your workplace. Instead of immediately voicing out your emotions, you may write these feelings down. Organizing your thoughts can help you distinguish whether these are legitimate concerns or annoying complaints. Urgent matters need to be discussed with the team.

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Nonetheless, flexibility is a desirable trait in every industry. Having a positive attitude about change and unforeseen events can help you grow in your career.

#4: DISCIPLINE

Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior. It is the action or inaction related to the code of ethics or the rules governing your company. Discipline is more than just ticking all the boxes of your to-do list. It is an attitude that can pour out to all of your professional decisions. An employee with a poor attitude will not go very far in life!

If you aim to be a boss one day, you need to develop self-discipline. Say that you cannot manage your own time. How can you expect your employees to manage theirs? Self-discipline in the workplace involves arriving on time and resisting the temptation of skipping “boring tasks” such as attending meetings or organizing files.

#5: KINDNESS

Work may be the place where you want to be kind, but being likable can get you far! Likable or pleasant people tend to have more employment opportunities as well as co-worker support. Pursuing your career goals while keeping the best interests of others in mind is ideal.

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Nasty people do not always finish first! You do not need to step on people’s ways to get ahead of the employee ladder. Focus on advancement while noticing the needs and feelings of those around you.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Newbie’s Guide To Affordable Kids’ Clothing In Singapore

Are you in need of stylish threads on a budget? From adorable dresses to casual boys’ loungewear, I have gotten it all covered for you!

#1: FOR EVERYDAY WEAR: FOX

Due to having a huge family, my childhood was certainly colorful. One of the things that I enjoyed was the Christmas rush. Accompanied by a long list, my mother frequently buys children’s gifts from FOX. This shop houses an extensive range of everyday wear.

For over 14 years in Singapore, FOX has grown tremendously with 17 retail stores islandwide. What I like most about this brand is its ability to offer casual, yet stylish outfits accompanied by accessories. Surely, your little one’s personality will shine!

Website: foxfashion.sg

#2: FOR THE BASICS: UNIQLO

If you believe that shopping for basics is more practical as your children grow rapidly then, you must frequent Uniqlo. This Japanese store tops my list when it comes to basics and loungewear. For instance, “KIDS Packaged Colour Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt” costs S$5.90 only.

You will be able to choose some insanely comfortable shirts and jammies, which are great for the country’s warm weather. Stylish selection does not stop there! You may indulge in the occasional collaborations featuring Disney, Marvel, and other anime characters.

Website: uniqlo.com/sg

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: FOR ALL AGES: COTTON ON KIDS

Australia’s Cotton On is a brand that needs little to no introduction. Thriving on cheap yet trendy clothing, Cotton On has since expanded to include the kids and baby’s section. Said section caters to infants up to their teens. What I admire most about this brand is its dedication to regularly updating the collections to keep up with the latest trends.

What’s more? Cotton On Kids has exclusive online sales. Make it a habit to check the website to get more discounts.

Website: cottonon.com/SG/kids

#4: FOR URBAN CHIC PIECES: NEXT

Looking for funky patterns that will suit a fancy party or a stroll to Orchard Street? Try Next Singapore. It is an online shop that has you covered for every occasion. Personally, I am a fan of its dress collection. The quirky patterns on the “Teal Ditsy Print Dress” (about S$11) are incredibly attractive! The teen’s collection is worth checking out too.

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Enjoy free shipping for orders over S$50. Otherwise, you will be charged S$6 per order.

Website: next.sg/en

Sources: 1 & 2

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