Assessing Skill Levels
Based on the Appraisal Report of the Supervisor, I have outlined the following steps for improving my skills and setting new goals for my career improvisation.
My skill levels in my field of Computer Operator have been assessed as “Outstanding” by my supervisor. In his observation he has pointed out that I can make improvements, especially in Report Preparing, as per Clark, (2010). This has given me the initiative to improvise my skill levels in the following areas:
- Operational skills: I am determined to improve my Report Preparing skill and in the next appraisal will aim at getting an “Excellent” rating.
- Technical skills: This is one area which I would definitely improvise by being more proficient in the technicalities of my job.
While assessing my Professional Communication skills, I have been marked as “Satisfactory” I know this is not good and I need to improvise on my professional conduct, assert Richard, (ed), (2014). I agree with my Supervisor that my career path should be aligned with the organization’s workforce. In my future professional development plan, I have considered the following goals:
- Aptitude: Developing my natural talents and special abilities.
- Attitude: Bring a change in my mind-set and way of thinking.
- Initiative: Set higher individual goals.
This is again a sector which I must improve as it also deals with Team Work Efforts. I need to coordinate my Team & Departmental Goals. I can improvise my abilities by joining Workshops & Seminars where I can learn and organise my development efforts. I would also volunteer for opportunities which can offer unique ways for interacting with other staff members, as per Gibson & Fraser, (2014).
I have been given quite high marks in this section, though I personally feel that I need to improve. My supervisor’s observation that I demonstrate positive work ethics is quite encouraging but I would definitely focus more on producing quality work for my company as well as my peers, states Latimer, (2012).
My Supervisor has observed that I have been consistently exhibiting commitment to my organisation’s Mission, Vision and Values through my behaviour, but his marking has not top most. This leads me to believe that I need to exhibit properly how in can represent the company’s mission, vision and values in a more profound manner through my interactions with the customers, the suppliers and even my co-workers, as explained by Moens & Jones (ed), (2013).
We all need to build continuously on our skills, take corrective measures to solve any problems which arise. In fact, my future goal is to learn from the problems and develop them into new abilities and opportunities which will not only improve my personal performance, they will also enhance the organization’s outcomes. My Supervisor’s observation that I am active in tasks which are relevant to my professional acumen spells out the fact that I should identify my long term career goals within the organisation’s achievements, as detailed by Ibp Inc., (2013).
Improving communication skills
Effective File Management, states (MARA, 2017), is an infrastructure to be used for effective and timely client service and management of client matters, especially in the legal field. Implementing a File Management System helps in maintaining the essential features of managing the client matters and ensures their compliance with the Registered Agent (RA) regulatory requirements such as, preservation of client’s confidentiality and avoidance of conflicts. A better system maintained by the RA, as per the guidelines given by MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) in its Code of Conduct booklet, is useful for effective file opening and closing procedures, conflicts checking and storage system of the data, as detailed by Moens & Jones (ed), (2013).
It is essential for the RA to have systems, as detailed in MARA’s Code of Conduct, Part-6, from where they can –
- Store and retrieve information regarding their clients and adversaries.
- Open and maintain all active client’s files.
- Check records for conflicts.
- Check records for limitation periods.
- Identify clients’ property.
- Close, retain or dispose-off closed files, assertsLatimer, (2012).
Once a RA has been retained, it must open a file, as explained under Clause 6.1 of the Code of Conduct, for providing services for a new matter pertaining to:
- A new client.
- The current clients.
- The former clients.
This process of opening a file should be initiated by the RAs immediately on being contacted by a new client by preparing a memorandum about the client, as described by Gibson & Fraser, (2014).
RAs must develop and maintain a system to obtain information about their client as well as the opposing parties as soon as the retainer has been received. RAs should also assign distinct file name and number to every file, as detailed by Clause 6.2 of the Code of Conduct. This should include:
- Name of the client.
- A Reference or Matter number.
RAs must maintain separate storage system for “Active Clients” and “Non-Active Clients” for a minimum period of 7 years, as detailed under Clause 6.1A. In this electronic era, Clause 6.4 states that it is easier to create different storage spaces for active and non-active client files, to be retrieved when required. Care should be taken by the RA that all documentation, which relates to a specific client’s matter is stored in that client’s file, say Richard, (ed), (2014). It is also advised that large firms, who have a separate department for this purpose, should implement training programmes for all the office personnel by emphasising the importance of client confidentiality. The RA should strictly enforce a code of confidentiality, as per Clause 6.2A, with regard to the inherent risk of not properly storing the data or leaving the files or diskettes, which contain classified information openly on a desk or in the office, asserts Clark, (2010).
Section 3 of the Rules for Code of Conduct states that a RA or a large firm is responsible for caring about a client’s property and should act like a prudent owner would act when dealing with such property. In this context, the RA or his staff should clearly identify and label the client’s property entrusted to them and distinguish it from the RA’s or the firm’s own property. Special attention should be accorded to client’s property consisting of
- Original Wills.
- Powers of Attorney.
- Other valuable property of client such as, Title Deeds and Securities, as detailed byIbp Inc., (2013).
A Flow Chart representing the steps required to maintain a comprehensive system of Client Matters is shown below in Figure – 1.
Figure – 1: A Flow Chart Demonstrating a Comprehensive System of Maintaining Client Matters
Reference
Clark, E.E. 2010. Cyber Law in Australia. Kluwer law international, Amsterdam.
Gibson, A. and Fraser, D. 2014. Business Law 2014. Pearson Higher Education AU, French’s Forest, NSW.
Ibp Inc. 2013. Australia Business Law Handbook Volume 1 Strategic Information and Basic Laws. Int’l Business Publications, Washington DC.
Latimer, P. 2012. Australian Business Law 2012. CCH Australia Limited, Sydney, NSW.
MARA, 2017. Australian Government, Department of Immigration and Border Protection: Code of Conduct for Registered Migration Agents.
Moens, G. and Jones, R. (ed) 2013. International Trade and Business Law Review, Volume 10. Routledge, Oxon.
Richard, T.A. (ed) 2014. Professional Business Law Essays. Richard TA, New York.