Many businesses are fast approaching annual performance review season. An experience often dreaded by many managers and employees alike as it comes on top of their already busy schedules.
If properly prepared, your review is truly an excellent opportunity to help your manager to help you grow your career.
Your performance review serves two purposes:
A reflection on your past performance
An opportunity to plan and agree on your future career goals"
Take action TODAY:
Put aside a couple of hours this week and each week up to your review to prepare.
· Reflect on your achievements
· Identify areas for your growth
· Plan for your future career
How to prepare for your review?
Build Your “Wins Register” to Track & Document Your Achievements
Take the time each week or month to build and maintain a "Wins Register”. This is an ongoing list of your accomplishments. This can include key projects, initiatives you've led, and times where you have gone above and beyond. Be as specific as possible and back your achievements with evidence. For example, instead of just stating "I managed a project successfully," include measurable results like "I led a project that improved team efficiency by 20% and saved €23,000 in costs."
Providing quantifiable data and clear examples of your contributions will make a stronger case during your review. It also helps you to articulate your value to the organisation and gives your manager clear evidence of your impact. It is never too late to start this practice.
Be brave and ask for Feedback from Colleagues
Before your review, it might also be useful to gather informal feedback from your peers or team members. This can give you a broader view of your impact and provide additional insights that you may not have noticed. Peer feedback can highlight strengths or development areas that complement your manager’s observations. Note: You must be specific with your questions such as "What's one thing I could do, in your opinion, to improve my work?" What one thing do you think I am especially good at?
Drive the Conversation: Your Manager Isn't a Mind Reader
Your annual review is your opportunity to drive the conversation. Remember, your manager isn't a mind reader—they may not know the full extent of your achievements or career aspirations unless you tell them. Be clear and honest about where you want to go in your career and what support you need to get there.
In addition to discussing your successes, don't shy away from talking about the challenges you faced. Highlight how you overcame obstacles or what you learned from setbacks. This demonstrates resilience and a growth mindset—qualities highly valued by employers.
Prepare Questions for Your Manager
Remember, the review is a two-way conversation. Come with a set of questions for your manager, such as:
What are the team’s biggest goals and challenges in the upcoming year?
How do you see my role evolving in the next 12 months?
What skills or development areas should I focus on to advance my career?
Asking thoughtful questions will show that you're engaged, strategic, and looking at the bigger picture—not just your performance in isolation.
Consider Your Career Progression
While your review will focus on the year ahead, it's important to keep long-term career goals in mind as well. Discuss potential career paths within the organisation and ask for feedback on what skills or experiences you should develop to move towards those goals. This conversation can help you align your personal growth with the company’s future.
Prepare for the Year Ahead: What Does the Future Hold?
While it's essential to review the past year, your annual review is also a great time to focus on the future. Spend some time considering where you want to go in the next 12 months. What goals do you have? What skills do you need to develop to reach those goals?
Think about professional development opportunities like training courses, certifications, or new skills that could benefit both you and the company. Discuss these with your manager, showing that you're invested in your growth and aligned with the business's needs. Being proactive about your development will demonstrate your commitment to adding value in the long term.
Seek Out a Career Mentor
If you don’t already have a mentor, now is an excellent time to ask for one. A mentor can provide you with valuable guidance and insights, helping you navigate your career path. They can also offer a different perspective on areas where you can improve and grow.
Additionally, having a mentor can open up networking opportunities and allow you to gain knowledge from someone more experienced in your field, providing support outside of the formal review process.
Research Conferences, Webinars, and Industry Events
To stay competitive in your field, it's crucial to keep learning and expanding your knowledge base. Research conferences, webinars, or industry talks that could benefit both your professional development and the organisation.
Attending such events can offer insights into the latest trends, help you network with other professionals, and bring fresh ideas back to the business. Discussing these opportunities with your manager during the review shows that you are proactive and committed to continuous learning.
Discuss Compensation (If Appropriate)
If you feel it's time for a discussion about your salary or benefits, your review can be the right moment to bring it up. Make sure you’ve done your research and can justify your request with concrete examples of your performance and market data. Be prepared to discuss how your contributions have aligned with the business’s goals and how you plan to continue adding value.
Follow Up with a Personal Development Plan
After the review, don't let the conversation end there. Create a personal development plan based on the feedback and goals discussed during your meeting. This plan will keep you focused and accountable throughout the year and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement. Share this plan with your manager to ensure alignment and track progress together.
Mindset and Attitude: Be Open and Positive
Finally, approach your review with a positive and open mindset. Be receptive to feedback, even if some of it is critical. Avoid being defensive; instead, view this as an opportunity to grow and improve. A constructive attitude will make the conversation more productive and leave a positive impression on your manager.
Conclusion: Take Control of Your Review
Preparing for your annual review is about more than just ticking boxes—it's about taking charge of your career. By documenting your achievements, planning for the future, and driving the conversation, you can ensure that your review is a productive and empowering experience. Remember, your manager can only support your development if they know what you want to achieve, so take control and make this review a pivotal step in your career growth.
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