Dealing with a bullying boss can be challenging, especially when preparing for an appraisal. However, it’s essential to approach the situation calmly and professionally. What is an appraisal and why is it so important?
The Context for Appraisals:
Workplace appraisals, or performance reviews or evaluations, are a structured and formal process by employers to assess and review employee performance, progress, and contributions within an organisation. There are several vital reasons workplaces conduct appraisals:
Performance Assessment: Appraisals systematically and comprehensively evaluate an employee’s performance and achievements over a specific period. It helps supervisors and managers gauge how well employees fulfil their job responsibilities and meet expectations.
Feedback and Communication: Appraisals offer a platform for constructive feedback and open communication between employees and their supervisors. It allows both parties to discuss strengths, areas for improvement, and career development opportunities.
Goal Setting and Alignment: During appraisals, employees and managers can collaboratively set new performance goals or adjust existing ones. This process aligns individual objectives with the organisation’s broader goals, promoting better focus and motivation.
Employee Development: By identifying strengths and weaknesses, appraisals help pinpoint areas where employees may need further training or support. This promotes professional development and enhances job satisfaction.
Recognition and Reward: Positive performance appraisals can lead to acknowledgement and recognition of an employee’s hard work and accomplishments. It may also pave the way for rewards, bonuses, or promotions, boosting employee morale and motivation.
Performance Improvement: For employees who are not meeting expectations, appraisals can highlight areas for improvement and provide an opportunity for corrective action or additional training.
Identifying High Performers: Appraisals help identify high-performing employees who consistently go above and beyond their roles. These employees may be considered for leadership positions or other opportunities within the organisation.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Appraisals create a formal record of an employee’s performance, which can be helpful for future reference, such as when considering promotions or making employment decisions.
Legal and Compliance Reasons: In some industries or jurisdictions, performance appraisals may be required for legal or compliance purposes to ensure fair and consistent evaluations.
Workplace appraisals are valuable for promoting employee growth, aligning individual and organisational goals, and fostering a positive work culture. When conducted effectively, they contribute to improved performance, increased employee engagement, and more robust team dynamics within the organisation. An appraisal is a two-way conversation where you, as the employee, also discuss your future development, dreams and career aspirations. You should take an active part in your appraisal and decide beforehand what you would like to achieve from the process.
Dealing with an appraisal from a bullying boss
To prepare for your upcoming appraisal, dealing with a bullying boss can be an emotionally challenging experience. However, there are some steps you can follow to ensure you are prepared for the appraisal and are armed with all the information you need to protect yourself and your professional reputation.
Documenting incidents of such behaviour is a crucial step to protect yourself and ensure your concerns are taken seriously. Here’s why documenting incidents is essential and how it can significantly benefit you during the appraisal process:
Validating Your Experience: Keeping a record of bullying or inappropriate behaviour validates your feelings and experiences. When you put these incidents down in writing, you acknowledge their impact on your well-being and work environment.
Establishing Credibility: Your boss’s behaviour might be questioned or challenged during the appraisal. Having a well-documented account adds credibility to your claims. It shows that you are serious about your concerns and have taken the time to gather evidence.
Maintaining Accuracy: Memories can fade or become distorted. By documenting each incident promptly, you ensure accuracy in the details, making your case more reliable and compelling. Be honest when recording the incident. You must avoid a biased account of events. Be 100% truthful by recording your actions as well as your bosses.
Demonstrating Patterns: When you have a record of multiple incidents, it becomes easier to identify patterns of behaviour. This pattern can reinforce the seriousness of the issue and show that it is not an isolated occurrence.
Preparing for discussion: Your documentation will be valuable during the appraisal discussion. It allows you to recall specific incidents and express your concerns coherently and confidently.
Aiding in resolution: The appraisal process might be an opportunity to address the issue and seek a resolution. Providing a coherent account of the incidents and their impact will help your employer understand the gravity of the situation and take action.
Protecting Your Rights: sometimes, documentation can be evidence in formal proceedings if you need to involve HR, a mediator, or even pursue legal action to protect your rights.
When documenting incidents, include the following details:
Dates and Times: Record the date and time of each incident to create a chronological order of events.
Incident Descriptions: Be as detailed as possible when describing each incident. Include specific actions, words, or behaviour displayed by your boss.
Witnesses: Note the names and contact information of any witnesses present during the incidents. Their testimonies can strengthen your case.
Emotional Impact: Describe how each incident affected you emotionally, mentally, or physically. Explain how it affected your productivity, motivation, and overall well-being.
Supporting Evidence: If you have any relevant emails, messages, or documents related to the incidents, make copies and reference them in your documentation.
Documenting incidents is a proactive step toward resolving workplace issues and fostering a healthier work environment. Use your documentation during the appraisal as a tool to express your concerns, seek understanding, and advocate for positive change. Your well-documented account will show your professionalism and determination to address the issue constructively.
Supporting Third Parties:
If you need to involve HR, a mediator, or seek legal help, having a well-documented account of incidents gives them the information to investigate and address the situation more effectively.
If the bullying or inappropriate behaviour affects your work performance or well-being, your documented incidents can provide context during performance appraisals or evaluations. It helps your employer understand how the behaviour has affected your professional life.
Remember to keep your documentation secure and confidential. If possible, share it only with trustworthy individuals who can provide support or guidance as you navigate the process of addressing the problem. Documenting incidents empowers you to take control of your situation and seek a resolution that ensures a healthier and more respectful work environment.
In Conclusion, when you Prepare for an appraisal
Dealing with a bullying boss during an appraisal can be challenging, but remaining calm and professional is essential. Documenting any events or incidents of bullying behaviour is crucial to protect yourself and ensure legitimacy during the appraisal process. Details you should include in your documentation contain dates, times, incident descriptions, witnesses, emotional impact, and supporting evidence. Some benefits of documenting incidents are validating your experience, establishing credibility, maintaining accuracy, demonstrating patterns, and preparing for discussion.
Employers may consider taking appropriate action by providing a coherent account of incidents and their impact. Documentation can also serve as evidence for legal action if necessary. Appraisals provide a platform for performance assessment, feedback and communication, setting and aligning your professional career and personal development goals. An appraisal is also there to reward your performance and any improvement throughout the year. The process is designed to identify dedication and commitment to the job and company. If your bullying harms you mentally, emotionally, and professionally, it may be time to look for a new position.
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Starting a new job is an exciting opportunity that can bring with it plenty of nerves and uncertainty. With all the complex procedures, rules, and expectations to consider when joining a new team or workspace, what should you wear? When do you show up? How do you make sure colleagues remember your name on day one? As daunting as the situation may feel, one can make many easy adjustments to ensure you are starting your first shift correctly. This article discusses critical tips for ensuring your first day goes smoothly and confidently.
Research the company and role you will take on – make sure you know what to expect.
Researching the company and the role you will take on is crucial in preparing for success in your new position. Familiarising yourself with the company’s culture, mission statement, and values. This will help you understand what is expected of you and identify areas in which you can contribute and excel. Researching the responsibilities of your role and any relevant industry trends. This will help you hit the ground running and make a positive impact from the start. By investing time in your research, you will be better prepared to meet and exceed the expectations of your new employer, contributing to your own personal and professional growth.
Put together a professional outfit that is appropriate for the job and environment.
When dressing for work, it’s essential to balance looking professional and feeling comfortable. You want to make a good impression but also focus on your work, not your outfit. Start with the basics: a tailored blazer, a pair of dress trousers or a pencil skirt, and a button-down shirt. From there, you can add accessories to make your outfit more interesting, like a statement necklace or a bold pair of heels. Remember the environment you’ll work in and dress appropriately – you don’t want to be underdressed or overdressed. By putting together a stylish and practical professional outfit, you’ll feel confident and ready to take on whatever the workday brings.
Familiarise yourself with the location – practice getting there beforehand, so you know exactly how long it will take.
Preparation and familiarisation are essential for getting to a new location. Taking the time to practise your route beforehand can save you a lot of stress and time on the day of your visit. By doing this, you’ll be able to gauge precisely how long it will take to get there, considering potential traffic or complications. Plus, being familiar with the route means you can relax and focus on other aspects of your visit, knowing that you have the transportation aspect taken care of. So, be sure to practice getting to the location beforehand for a smooth journey.
Plan your meals beforehand – bringing a lunch or planning where to eat can help put your mind at ease.
Planning your meals can significantly benefit your overall well-being and reduce stress levels. Whether you bring your own lunch or have a plan for where to grab a bite, having a set schedule for your meals can help put your mind at ease. Not only does planning save time and money, but it also allows you to make healthier food choices and avoid the temptation of grabbing a quick, unhealthy option on the go. By planning your meals, you can prioritise your health and well-being and enjoy each meal without worrying about what you will eat next.
Reach out to colleagues in advance. – introducing yourself before the first day of work can make the transition easier.
Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking, especially when building relationships with your colleagues. However, reaching out to your future colleagues in advance can make all the difference in easing that transition. A quick email introducing yourself and expressing your excitement to join the team can go a long way. It shows initiative and eagerness to integrate into the company culture, allowing recipients to start a conversation and offer their friendly welcome. This step can help set a positive tone for future interactions, leading to a smoother start in your new role.
Get an early night’s sleep – being well-rested can help ease the stress of starting a new job.
Starting a new job can be a daunting experience. One of the best ways to prepare for the challenges ahead is by getting a good night’s sleep. When well-rested, we are better equipped to handle stress and are more alert and focused during the day. Sleep also plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being, helping us recharge our bodies and minds to perform at our best. So, priorities sleep if you’re starting a new job. By giving yourself the rest you need, you’ll be better equipped to tackle whatever comes your way with confidence and clarity.
In conclusion – First day in a new job
Your first day in a new job can be a daunting. The more prepared you are, the better you will be. Take the time to research the company and role. Put together a professional outfit that is appropriate for the job and environment. Familiarise yourself with your route to work so that you avoid any unexpected delays on your first day. Plan your meals ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about lunchtime logistics. Ensure that you get an early night’s sleep – this will all give you confidence in starting this exciting new opportunity. With these steps taken care of beforehand, your first day at work should enable you to immediately make an informed and positive impression!
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Have you heard of the term CPD? Do you know what it means, and, more importantly, do you know what it involves?
CPD stands for Continued Personal/Professional Development. In short, it means that you continue to study after you finish school, college or graduate from university. There are a number of professions that, once you achieve a pass mark in the basic qualifications, will be the start of a lifetime of study, for example, a solicitor, a doctor or a planner. What about your profession? Do you need to embark on CPD?
If your profession does not demand Continued Professional Development, have you made the decision to discontinue studying? To have a successful career, we advocate a continued approach to education/studies. Continued Professional Development is there to help you excel in your chosen field. CPD will also keep you abreast of the latest trends, legal changes and current business relationships, which ultimately could give you an advantage over your colleagues.
Education never stops
Making a personal decision to continue your education/studies and improve your knowledge in your chosen field may become a prerequisite for your employment. An example of this is the IT Industry. Information Technology is changing all the time and good developers, support staff and programmers need to keep abreast of current technology, languages and innovations. If you decided to terminate your studies, this could have a detrimental effect on your career.
Once you have made the decision to continue with your education, what should you do? There are a number of organisations that can facilitate your education. The only decision you need to make will be, which route suits your personal circumstances:
Online training courses
Studies in a classroom setting – often given by trade bodies
Correspondence courses
Seminars and Open days
Trade Federations
Professional Magazines in a chosen field
What is CPD for your occupation?
You could be in an occupation where CPD is not required. Nevertheless, this does not mean that further study is not for you. It could be advantageous for you to engage in a study course with a local college or night class in one of the hobbies you enjoy for example, cooking or sewing. Furthermore, you could learn a new skill, for example, car maintenance.
Further, more studying has a number of wonderful side effects. You could meet new people, gain skills and, more importantly, keep your brain active. Indeed, the Alzheimer’s community have suggested that keeping your brain active could help prevent many mind degenerative disease.
All studying requires is your dedication to the course, you will be receptive to new concepts, your time and the drive to become successful.
Do you want to change the signature image in Outlook 2016 to make your emails look professional, elegant and smart? With more and more options in MS Office and outlook, sometimes we just need a few hints along the way. To make sure your signature image in outlook 2016 is perfect then just follow these very simple instructions.
Instructions to resize a Signature Image in Outlook 2016
Open outlook as you would ordinarily do select the option to create an email as you would typically do.
A new email window will then appear.
Select the option Insert and then Signature.
A list of all the current signatures installed on your computer will appear. At the very bottom is the word Signature. Select this option, see below.
A new window will appear.
Select the email signature you want to edit, if you have not created an email signature select the option New, see above, in this example I will collect Corrigo free trial. Enter the narrative you wish to have on the signature in the box provided. Then add your image by selecting add picture icon, see above. This will then require you to find the location of the image on your computer or server.
Once the image has been selected, it will appear in the dialogue box. See below.
Using your mouse, click ONCE on the image. You will notice little squares appearing on the image, see below.
Once these little squares appear, press the right-hand button on your mouse and click once only.
A new screen will appear. Select the option Picture, see below.
This will open another window, see below. On this window select the option Size, see below.
The following screen will appear. It is from here that you can now resize your image. Please make sure that the Lock aspect ratio option is selected. If you have decided that 7.63 cm would be perfect, enter 7.63 in the Height option and press the enter button only. This will automatically adjust the Width.
Once the image is of the right size, please copy this narrative and place it under the image. Then select OK.
Does it cost money to take someone to Small Claims?
Working out the interest on a Small Claims request
You’ll have to go to court if…
After the Hearing
1 Introduction – Small Claims
You can take court action against someone who owes you money and won’t pay. This is known as making a court claim. It can also be known as taking someone to a ‘small claims court’.  You usually have to pay a court fee, and you may not win your case or get your money back.
2 How to take Court Action
The government has tried to make the process as easy as possible. The easiest way to claim it be completing the form online
3 What happens next in a Small Claims application?
If they deny owing you money, you may have to go to court.
You can get the court to order them to pay if they admit owing the money or don’t respond.
If they still won’t pay, you’ll need to ask the court to take extra steps to collect the money – e.g. using bailiffs. This is called enforcing a judgment.
4 Does it cost money to take someone to Small Claims?
Yes! It costs money to go to submit a small claims application.
The fee is based on how much you are claiming + interest
Using the Money Claim Online is cheaper than sending in the form.
amount
Sending the form to court centre
Using Money Claim Online
Up to £300
£35
£25
£300.01 to £500
£50
£35
£500.01 to £1,000
£70
£60
£1,000.01 to £1,500
£80
£70
£1,500.01 to £3,000
£115
£105
£3,000.01 to £5,000
£205
£185
£5,000.01 to £10,000
£455
£410
£10,0
00.01 to £100,000
5% of the value of the claim
4.5% of the value of the claim
£100,000.01 to £200,000
5% of the value of the claim
You can’t claim using Money Claim Online
More than £200 000
£10 000
You can’t claim using Money Claim Online
5 Working out your small claims interest
The interest you can charge if another business is late paying for goods or a service is ‘statutory interest’ – this is 8% plus the Bank of England base rate for business to business transactions.
You can’t claim statutory interest if there’s a different rate of interest in a contract.
After you have submitted your small claims
The person or business who owes you money must respond to your claim within 14 days of receiving it.
If you don’t get a response, you’ll have to ask the Court to order them to pay. You do this by continuing with the Money Claim Online form.
If you do get a response – YIPPEE!
Tell them you are withdrawing your claim and also tell the Money Claim Online help desk.
6 You’ll have to go to court if…
The person or business says they don’t owe you any money.
They disagree with the amount.
You can’t agree on how the money will be repaid.
The court will send you a questionnaire asking for more information on the case. Fill this in and return it to the court.
This will incur additional costs.
If your case is a small claim, under £10,000, it can be dealt with using written evidence, and not need a hearing.
If there is a hearing you can:
Represent yourself
Pay for a barrister or solicitor to represent you
Ask someone to speak on your behalf, like your partner or an advice worker – you must get the court’s permission
7 After the Hearing
You’ll receive a letter from the court, stating its decisions, and any actions you need to take.
Additional Resources
I highly recommend using your local Citizens Advice Bureau for additional advice and support.
Welcome to our online magazine from Julie and the team. If you have been on one of Julie’s training courses, you know she is passionate about PA, EAs and Secretaries being the best they can be. She also has very strong opinions about what a PA, EA and Secretary should and shouldn’t do. If you have a question, or would like to add an article, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
