Use ChatGPT to Write Self-Evaluation for Annual Performance Review in 2023

At the start of this year, I discussed utilizing ChatGPT for crafting annual performance goals. As the year draws to a close, it's time to write your self-evaluation for the annual review. While beginning with the standard ChatGPT and refining its output with custom prompts is still viable, as previously done, creating a custom version of ChatGPT for this specific task is now a feasible and potentially superior option. Let's delve into how this works.

You might wonder why customizing GPT is beneficial. By doing so, you can adapt the model's behavior to fit your specific use case at the system level. This means the resulting chatbot is pre-aligned with your problem domain, eliminating the need for users to provide detailed prompts each time. This will surely lead to a more user-friendly experience.

If you're short on time to create your own custom GPT, or if you're curious to experience a finished product first, feel free to try out my creation, Performance Perfect. It's crafted to guide you through the self-evaluation process with comprehensive steps, detailed instructions, examples, and plenty of encouragement😀. Check it out here: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-d2ZZV0dTS-performance-perfect.

In essence, a custom GPT is a version of the GPT model tailored for a particular use case. This customization involves setting up specific instructions, utilizing available tools, and optionally incorporating a library of documents for information sourcing. The most intriguing aspect is the ability to configure GPT entirely through conversational interaction, without the need for understanding its intricate workings or writing any code. Below is a screencast demonstrating how I configured Performance Perfect using this method.

Overview of Custom GPT: Performance Perfect

On the left side of the interface is the GPT Builder chatbot, with which you interact to shape your custom GPT. Here, you can describe relevant background information and outline the desired behaviors of the model. If necessary, you also have the option to upload documents for the GPT to reference, allowing it to rely on these instead of its internal knowledge base for certain queries. On the right side, you'll find the live creation of your custom GPT, enabling you to test it on the spot and provide immediate feedback to the GPT Builder. From my experience, the chatbot's performance improves quite rapidly through a few rounds of trial and error.

Behind the scenes, the GPT Builder translates your input into a configuration form, which you can view by switching to the "Configure" tab. This offers a valuable learning opportunity for those interested in understanding more about custom development with GPT and other Large Language Models (LLMs). Additionally, if the GPT Builder doesn't quite capture your requirements, you have the option to make direct changes in this configuration area.

Partial Configuration for the Performance Perfect Custom GPT — Partial configuration for the Performance Perfect Custom GPT

Let's explore a brief example to see how Performance Perfect assisted me in navigating the self-evaluation process for one of my objectives.

Initially, I selected one of the suggested prompts: "How can I start my self-evaluation?" Performance Perfect offered to guide me using a structured approach, and the first step is for me to provide the objective.

How can I start my self-evaluation?

Starting your self-evaluation involves a structured approach. Let's begin with the first step: 1) Choosing a Specific Goal and the Associated Deliverables Think about the yearly performance goals you set or were set for you at the beginning of the year. Focus on one specific goal to start. This will make the process more manageable. Can you identify one key goal you had for this year and list the deliverables associated with it? For example, if your goal was to improve customer satisfaction, your deliverables might include implementing a new feedback system, reducing response times, and increasing positive feedback ratings.

Subsequently, Performance Perfect encouraged me to consider the related deliverables I had worked on. To aid in kickstarting this process, it also furnished some examples.

Yes. One of my goals is to promote Generative AI within my company.

Great, focusing on promoting Generative AI within your company is a clear and significant goal. Now, let's break down the deliverables associated with this goal. 2) Identifying Deliverables For a goal like promoting Generative AI within your company, consider what specific actions or projects you undertook to achieve this. Deliverables could include: Training Sessions: Did you conduct any training or informational sessions for colleagues? Project Implementation: Were there specific projects where you applied Generative AI? Resource Development: Did you create any resources or guides to help others understand and use Generative AI? Collaboration: Did you collaborate with any teams or departments specifically for this purpose? Feedback and Adaptation: Did you gather feedback on these initiatives and make any adaptations? Could you list some of the key deliverables you worked on related to promoting Generative AI in your company? Feel free to use the examples above as a guide.

Following that, Performance Perfect assisted me in rephrasing and elaborating on my deliverables, and suggested that I contemplate the achievements and challenges linked with each deliverable.

I have two deliverables: the first is to explore the technologies in the context of our business; the second is to establish a community to share learning and develop use cases.

Excellent, you have two clear deliverables for your goal: Exploring Technologies in the Context of Your Business: This involves researching and understanding how Generative AI can be applied specifically to your company's operations, needs, and challenges. Establishing a Community for Sharing Learning and Developing Use Cases: This is about creating a platform or forum where colleagues can exchange ideas, experiences, and collaborate on developing practical applications of Generative AI. 3) Gathering Evidence of Achievements and Challenges Now, let's focus on the first deliverable: exploring technologies in the context of your business. Achievements: What specific actions did you take to explore Generative AI technologies? Did you conduct research, attend seminars, consult with experts, or trial different technologies? Challenges: What obstacles did you encounter while exploring these technologies? These could include technical limitations, resource constraints, or lack of support. Could you provide some details on the achievements and challenges you experienced with this deliverable?

For instance, below is the conversation regarding my first deliverable.

Achievements: 1) secured leadership support to initiate an official project 2) created a Generative AI playground which includes a collection of different prototypes to demonstrate various capabilities of Generative AI 3) completed 5 case studies with real business impacts Challenges: 1) difficult in securing legal / IT clearance to establish enterprise level GPT access

Great job outlining your achievements and challenges for the first deliverable. Let's summarize and then move on to the second deliverable. Summary for First Deliverable: Achievements: Secured Leadership Support: Successfully obtained approval and support to initiate an official project on Generative AI. Created a Generative AI Playground: Developed a collection of prototypes showcasing different capabilities of Generative AI, providing a practical demonstration of its potential. Completed 5 Case Studies: Conducted in-depth studies demonstrating real business impacts of Generative AI, highlighting its practical applications. Challenges: Difficulty in Securing Legal/IT Clearance: Faced challenges in obtaining the necessary approvals to establish enterprise-level access to tools like GPT, which is critical for broader implementation. Moving to Second Deliverable: Establishing a Community Now, let's reflect on the second deliverable: establishing a community for sharing learning and developing use cases. Achievements: What steps did you take to establish this community? This might include organizing meetings, creating communication channels, or facilitating workshops. Challenges: What were the hurdles in creating and maintaining this community? Consider aspects like engagement, resource allocation, or differing levels of interest or expertise among members. Could you provide some details on the achievements and challenges related to establishing this community?

As we progressed, Performance Perfect assisted in creating a draft of the self-evaluation, compiling all the gathered information into a cohesive format.

Our company has branded itself to be a major innovator within our industry, so it is critical for us to stay on top of of new technological trends such as generative AI. This project contributes to this important cause.

You've clearly articulated how your project aligns with your company's identity as a major innovator and its commitment to staying abreast of technological trends like Generative AI. This alignment is a key aspect of your self-evaluation. 6) Create Draft Self-Evaluation Statement Now, let's draft your self-evaluation statement, weaving together all the elements we've discussed: Your Specific Goal Deliverables and Achievements Challenges and How You Addressed Them Lessons Learned Alignment with Company Objectives Here's a draft based on your input: "In pursuit of [Company Name]'s commitment to innovation, one of my primary goals this year was to promote Generative AI within our organization. To achieve this, I focused on two main deliverables: exploring Generative AI technologies in the context of our business and establishing a community for shared learning and use case development. Notable achievements include securing leadership support for an official Generative AI project, creating a dynamic 'Generative AI Playground' with various prototypes, and completing five case studies with tangible business impacts. Despite challenges in securing legal and IT clearance for enterprise-level GPT access, I navigated these obstacles through persistent coordination and advocacy. This journey has been instrumental in my personal leadership development, teaching me the importance of individual initiative and the power of forming alliances to amplify impact. By establishing an active online community and engaging various audiences through talks and meetings, I have not only contributed to our culture of innovation but also aligned closely with [Company Name]'s strategic goal of being at the forefront of technological advancement." Feel free to modify this draft to better fit your voice and any additional details you'd like to include. How does this draft align with your self-evaluation goals?

From this stage, I was able to undergo as many iterations as needed for additional refinements. As a bonus, I requested GPT to compile all the polished self-evaluation statements into a single Word document that I can keep on file.

Looks good. Can you save the output as a Word file for me?

Your self-evaluation statement has been saved as a Word document. You can download it using the link below: [Download Link (removed)]

I hope this gives you a general understanding of how to create a custom GPT and utilize it to enhance your business processes, extending beyond just crafting self-evaluations. If you've experimented with Performance Perfect and have any feedback, please don't hesitate to share it with me. I'm eager to hear from you!