Even when the review is weighted toward the critical, it makes psychological sense to start out on a positive note.  Acknowledging, front and center, an employee's achievements to date makes him more receptive to the recommendations for improvement that follow.  Tying the accomplishments to specific challenges set forth previously-in the employee's last evaluation, for example-provides objective, tangible evidence of progress.  It also creates a sense of fair play, as the employee understands in advance the specific criteria by which he is being assessed.

-Beverly Ballaro, Dealing with Difficult People

You have heard it all before - to make a sale, you need to understand needs, have good product knowledge, find the "fit," and so on.  All true; however, without delivering memorable customer service by showing that you genuinely care about the customer through treating him with respect and proving that he can trust you, you may still earn the sale, but you won't acquire a bigger sale or loyalty. 

Most people are not comfortable being judged themselves and therefore tend to err on the side of caution when they have to put their personal assessment of a colleague in writing.  What they don't realize is that an excess of diplomacy can actually produce consequences just as damaging as those created by an unduly harsh approach.  By squandering an opportunity to deliver meaningful criticism, they deprive both themselves and the employees they are evaluating of any practical benefits.  They turn the process into an exercise in futility, and a time-consuming one at that.

- Kelly Robertson, V.P. of Sales for Art Merchandising

My first hands-on experience with a box of crayons and a coloring book at school provided a feeling of freedom and independence, not to mention excitement ~ right up to the point when my teacher looked at my masterpiece and said those creativity crushing words, "You need to work on coloring inside the lines."  Life and professional experience has since taught me that, while coloring inside the lines absolutely is quite often necessary, there are also big advantages to going outside of the lines.

-Brian Tracy, Eat that Frog

Ringing in a new year is exciting.  You have renewed energy and have a positive outlook on what you plan to accomplish, and your sense of anticipation for what's ahead is further fueled by all of the uplifting messages from the important people in your life.  Like, "Here's to a healthy and happy 2014!" and "May 2014 be your most successful yet!" 

How do you maintain this elevated sense of excitement and desire to succeed?  You don't want to be like the vast majority who sets clear visions, but then loses steam within 1-2 weeks.  Commit now to setting your 2014 goals (if you have not done so already), and then throughout the year, constantly work on them and set weekly/monthly reminders to ensure that you're on track with successfully fulfilling your resolutions.  Determining goals can sometimes feel daunting, but keep most simple.  We can help you get your list of goals started, or we can help you by adding some additional helpful strategies.