7 things to do before your next performance review
TRANSCRIPT
7 Things to Do Before Your Next
Performance Review
Contributed by Bernard Marr on May 30, 2015 in Management & Leadership , Organization, Change, & HR
Performance reviews, while not necessarily the most effective way to do business, are a
realistic part of the work year for many
employees. Many people find the review
process stressful, but I believe a great deal of
the stress and anxiety around performance
reviews can be reduced or eliminated with
proper preparation.
Try working through this list of ways to
prepare
before your next performance review, because
feeling prepared can reduce anxiety
tremendously.
Understand the review process.
If you’ve been through the process before this may be unnecessary, but if you’re in a new job
or there is a new process in place, contact human resources and find out as much as you can
about the review process so you can be properly prepared. Don’t forget to find out how the
review is related to compensation and promotions.
Keep a work journal.
A work journal doesn’t have to be fancy;
it can be as simple as a running to-do list (with dates) where you mark of what you
accomplished and when. I like the bullet journal method , but any list will work. This will
help you remember your own accomplishments over time, as well as have evidence of those
accomplishments.
Do your own review.
If you are provided with a self-analysis worksheet, fill it out honestly. If not, make a list of
your job responsibilities and conduct your own review of yourself. Be honest with yourself
— that way, you won’t be surprised if you receive constructive criticism, and you can have
answers ready for your manager on how you will improve in any areas that need it. Pay
particular attention to making a list of your accomplishments and anticipating any feedback
you may receive.
Come up with your goals.
Managers often ask about your goals for the next year during a performance review, so take
some time to come up with solid goals before you enter the review, so you’re not left
stammering.
Prepare feedback for your boss.
Depending on the format of your review, your boss may ask you to rate his or her
performance as well. Take some time to formulate any feedback or constructive criticism
you may have.
Drive the discussion.
Before you head into your review, make a short list of topics that you would like to cover
with your manager. Your annual review is a perfect opportunity to talk about anything that
might be on your mind with regard to your career trajectory, team, projects, and so on. Take
the opportunity to make the review work for you.
Research salary data.
If you plan to ask for a raise, take the time to research average salaries for your position,
location, and work experience, so that you have data to back up your request.
About Bernard Marr
Acknowledged by the CEO Journal as one of today's leading business brains. Bernard Marr is a best-
selling business author, keynote speaker, and consultant in strategic performance, analytics, KPIs, and
big data. You can connect with him on LinkedIn here .
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