How to Ace Your Performance Review
- Malique Popkin
- Nov 26, 2024
- 3 min read
It’s that time of year again! Performance review season is here, and while it might make some of us a little nervous, it’s actually a great opportunity to showcase all that hard work you’ve been putting in. We’ve put together a guide to help you prepare and leave your manager impressed.
Reflect on Your Wins
Start by thinking about the key wins you’ve had this year and identify the projects or tasks where you made a significant impact, whether it’s a project you led or a goal you achieved. These accomplishments don’t necessarily have to be large; sometimes, smaller projects or tasks can have a big impact if they solved a major problem or became a new standard in on your team or in your department. Pro tip, you should be keeping track of these wins throughout the year! If you haven’t been keeping track, that’s ok, you can start now.
When writing your review, be sure to be specific, and wherever you can, add numbers or metrics. Managers love metrics, they make it easy to measure impact. If you can, quantify your wins.
For example:
Increased incident management response time by 10 minutes by implementing automation.
Successfully led a cross-departmental project that saved the company $20,000 in expenses.
If your wins aren’t easily quantifiable, look for qualitative feedback, like emails from team members or other managers, or comments that praise your work. When you can, connect your accomplishments to your department or company's OKRs (Objective Key Results). Linking your work to the company’s success shows that you’re not only achieving personal goals but also actively contributing to the business’s growth.
Get Ready for Feedback
Receiving feedback can be tough, but it’s essential for growth. Try to be open and not to disagree with the feedback you’re given, you might be labeled as someone that does not take feedback well. Remember, feedback shows you where you can improve and helps you get better at what you do. Ask for specifics if something feels vague, and consider asking your manager for tips on how to work on any improvement areas. Showing a genuine willingness to learn and grow always stands out.
Set Your Goals for the Year Ahead
Take some time to map out what you’d like to accomplish in the next year. Maybe there’s a new skill you’d like to master, a project you want to lead, or even a promotion you’re aiming for. Bring these goals into your review to see if you and your manager can work on a plan together. It shows that you’re thinking ahead and invested in your development.
After your review, create a plan to put feedback and goals into action. Break it down into smaller steps and set milestones to keep yourself on track. And don’t be afraid to check in with your manager regularly to share your progress!
Make the Most of Your Review
With the right approach, performance reviews can be a powerful tool for growth. By going in prepared, open to feedback, and ready to set clear goals, you can turn this time into a valuable step along your career journey. If you’re looking for more personalized guidance, schedule a free consultation with us to help you navigate performance reviews and set your career on a clear path to success.
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