Hey Guys,

If you haven’t already started, this is a reminder to set aside some time to work on your self assessments for our end of year reviews. As a reminder they are due and will close on December 31, and no late submissions will be accepted.

Some points to keep in mind:

• Though it’s easy to just reach back into the immediate past, try really hard to reach back into the entire review period: the last year, to not leave behind key achievements or discussion topics
• Be honest with yourself, and your manager. They’re likely not a mind reader, and it’s our responsibility to be as transparent with them as they are with us, this is a great time to bring up any concerns or questions regarding careers

     This might not come as a surprise to most of you but, one of the real benefits of a handwritten letter or a handmade card is the personal touch it conveys; it shows that you care, it shows that you made every word count and it shows that you took the time to sit down and create the letter/card. It’s an act that many of us don’t do enough (including myself) but one that holds much value. For example, nothing against Hallmark/store-bought cards, but hand making a greeting card brings out more from a person and in turn represents more…they represent that that person took the time to sit down and gather up his/her thoughts and lay them out on a letter/card specifically devoted to you.

     All of this, of course, is just my opinion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Hallmark/store-bought cards. There have been plenty of times when I’ve purchased a store-bought card because of its hilarious content. Yet, there’s been plenty of times when I’ve spent over 30 minutes trying to find that one perfect card when the answer lied in a handmade card the whole time.

     I bring all of this up because I was reminded of how much value handwritten letters and handmade cards have when I was fulfilling my Secret Santa duty this past weekend. A few years ago, my friends and I made it a duty to include a handmade Christmas card/letter with our gifts. And this past weekend, it was time for me to begin crafting my Christmas card. Hand making Christmas cards can be a bit time consuming (especially if you see how much detail my friends and I input into our cards) but, it’s been a duty that I’ve come to cherish. 

     So, again, nothing against store-bought cards, but the next you find yourself in need of a card, consider writing and creating one yourself. It’s an act that forces you to slow down and devote serious thought to your choice of words but one that holds great value.