Military personnel must regularly undergo performance evaluations that rate their skillset, conduct, leadership abilities, physical fitness, and overall effectiveness. These assessments are typically conducted annually and can affect promotion opportunities, training assignments, and career advancement.
Little research has been done to understand how these evaluations impact an individual's sense of self-worth and emotional openness. This essay will examine the relationship between military performance evaluations and soldiers' internal perception of themselves, exploring how external feedback may influence personal feelings of worthiness, competence, and vulnerability.
The evaluation process begins with a series of objective measures such as drills, exercises, tests, and exams designed to evaluate skills and abilities. Supervisors then provide subjective ratings based on personal observations and interactions with the soldier, including their ability to follow orders, work ethic, teamwork, and discipline. The resulting score is often expressed as a letter grade or numerical value that ranks the soldier within their unit.
While some soldiers may view this feedback positively, others may experience self-doubt, shame, and anxiety in response. Internalizing negative criticism or failure can lead to feelings of unworthiness, imposter syndrome, and low self-esteem. On the other hand, positive reviews may boost confidence and motivation but still leave room for improvement.
Performance evaluations can also influence a soldier's willingness to take risks, explore new ideas, seek help, or express emotions. Fear of failure can make them more cautious and risk-averse, while success can embolden them to experiment and innovate. Feelings of vulnerability or resilience may also play a role, depending on the individual's past experiences and personality traits.
Military personnel must navigate a complex web of external factors that impact their sense of identity and emotional well-being. While evaluations are necessary for maintaining high standards and accountability, they should be administered thoughtfully and sensitively to minimize harmful effects. By understanding how performance appraisals interact with internal perceptions, leaders can support their troops' mental health and maximize professional growth.
How do military performance evaluations interact with soldiers' internal sense of self-worth and influence emotional openness?
The evaluation of military personnel is typically based on their performance within the organization. This evaluation can be done through various means such as written examinations, physical tests, and assessments from commanding officers. Such an evaluation process often places importance on achievement, which has been shown to have significant effects on individuals' perception of themselves (Sakaguchi & Hirose, 2014).