Ways your manager secretly judges you

A small error that you made in the presentation or the bright yellow shirt that you wore to an office meeting, you like it or not your managers are secretly judging you. They may not pinpoint everything they notice but rest assured all your actions are being recorded in their head and may reflect in your annual appraisal. Here we have listed down a few ways in which you may be getting judged.

Managers do notice the hours you work. So if you finish your work sooner someday, take an initiative to work on something extra. Make it easier for you to stand out so that your manager can judge you better.

You must ask what you can do for your manager, not what they can do for you. Consider how your tasks fit into the bigger picture and take the next step when you can. Your manager will wait for the kind of questions you ask to understand your job. You're also needed to get a rough idea of what your manager's job responsibilities entail.

This doesn't mean you have to make your desk look neat or colour-code your files. Being well-organized simply means showing up on time, answering questions when needed, producing documentation as requested, etc. It's about your system producing results that makes your manager's job easier.

You will get praised for times when you deliver good work. But when you don't perform well, don't expect anyone to point it out. Delivering criticism is uncomfortable and really hard to do. And hence, it's easier to take you off some particular tasks, shuttle you to the side and hope that you get the message. Constructive criticism only comes to you when you ask for it. Hence, ask and don't wait for the next review.

Being well-liked is a great thing, it makes life easier and fun at work knowing people around you enjoy working with you. Your main goal should be to be well respected for what you deliver. Candidates who are reliable and savvy win over candidates who are charming and funny when it comes to promotions and raises.