6 questions to ask a manager during appraisal

By Srilagna Saha, TimesJobs.com 

An employee must find out the company's future plans for his/her own success. 

As much as it's true that your manager will always have feedback or questions regarding your performance, it's never a bad idea to have some questions ready for him as well. 

By asking relevant questions to the manager during appraisal, one will surely showcase his willingness to understand his past failures and overcome them in the next appraisal cycle. 

Tanvi Saxena, head HR, CapitalVia Global Research Ltd., shares some of the questions that an employee must ask his/her manager during the appraisal interview. 

What is that one thing that I should stop/start/continue doing? 

Feedback is one of the most critical and important aspects of an appraisal interview. As much as it is the responsibility of an appraiser to provide effective feedback, it is also the candidate's responsibility to ask questions that can help in receiving the most accurate and relevant feedback. This question will also give you clarity on what your manager sees as your successes and failures. 

What is the company's future growth plan? 

Most of the things that you need to know about your year ahead can be known by asking this one single question. Growth does not only mean promotions, but can mean additional responsibility, job rotation, etc. During this conversation you can also mention what are your expectations in terms of growth. 

What should be my priority in the coming year? 

This will provide you with necessary clarity that is much needed for you to succeed in upcoming challenges. And let us face it! We often deviate from what's important to what's urgent time to time. Getting this questions answered will keep you focused on the most important tasks. 

What are the trainings/certifications I should attend? 

This question will not only help you in keeping yourself up-to-date and in sharpening your skills, but will also act as a preparation for the next appraisal cycle. 

What are the other areas/opportunity/responsibilities that I can take up within company? 

This will help you in understanding the other possibilities/opportunities that exist within the organisation. Also, if you are interested in shifting to other domains, you will get the opening to put across your interest. Also, it will present you as a proficient resource who is a multi tasker, and can be utilised as and when the company needs. 

What business changes are planned in future? What can I do to help? 

An individual's growth largely depends on company's growth. Hence, it is important for you to know what your company is planning next. Also, as an employee, one must showcase the concern and willingness in helping and supporting the company with their business challenges and plans.