YES. Step into a leadership role soon after you start.
For half a year we've had a 3rd year apprentice in our department. My boss decided early on that I’d become their direct supervisor after I finished my apprenticeship. Since I had been at CHT for less than a year at the time, I have to say I was thrilled that my boss was ready to put so much trust in me by allowing me to take on this responsibility!
Prepared for a great performance review
As the apprentice’s performance review drew nearer, I have to say I was a bit nervous—after all, I was going to be sitting on the other end of a performance review, receiving one from my direct report for the first time. I spent a lot of time filling in the review questionnaire and took time to speak with colleagues on my team who had been working with our apprentice. The atmosphere during the review was positive and casual and both of us were able to openly say how we feel things are going and where we see areas for improvement. We let each other know what we’d both enjoyed about working together up to that point and how we’d like to continue working together moving forward.
Open dialogue on both sides
What I appreciated most: the exchange and self evaluation and receiving feedback from their end as well really meant we were having an open dialogue. So a constructive exchange really opened up. I had a really positive feeling when I left the review and look forward to continuing to work together. We all know what we do best and where our strengths lie, but also where there are areas of opportunity for improvement.
Communication is the key
There’s also a really open feedback culture between me and my boss. I really can’t recommend communicating directly with colleagues and supervisors enough as well as trusting yourself to speak openly and honestly with each other. After all, we’re all people and we all have a shared interest in making sure we create and maintain a pleasant and motivating place to work together.
