Figure out how to prepare (in advance!) for your performance review
In my corporate career, I worked in career development in house at a large organization in the retail industry. I’ve seen them go really well where an employee comes to the table mega prepared…and I’ve seen the opposite.
Of course it’s important for organizations to create a review system and process that fosters growth and meaningful conversations, but let’s focus on what you can do to prepare for this (sometimes daunting) time of year….ahead of time.
Before I dive into the 10 things you can keep track of throughout the year, a word on your audience:
When I coach clients through this work, I always, always, always ask them…
“What is important to your manager and what is important to their boss.”
Another way to look at it would be thinking about what accomplishments or wins have you had that make your leader look great.
10 things to keep track of throughout the year to be prepared for your performance review:
Anything from your last performance review
Everything you chatted about in your review from last year should be used as reference for the next year (where it’s applicable), including what you have continued doing, because it worked, or how you have pivoted.Wins that you keep in a “brag box”
Keep track of that long list of wins in an email inbox or notebook so you don’t forget a thing.Obstacles you had to overcome on the work front
Chances are you have encountered a few road blocks in getting your work done. What were those, and how did you overcome them.How you’re working to improve
Your growth areas or weaknesses that you’re actively working on (and the effort you’re putting in).Financial results
Even if you don’t touch the bottom line, think about the efficiencies you’ve helped with, or even cost savings.How you’ve impacted company goals and objectives
How you have helped with achieving company strategic goals and objectives. Every company sets these, and most live and breathe by them. How can you make it easier for your management team to see the value you’re adding in the areas that matter to them most?Culture results
How have you been a culture champion? It could be anything from your attitude in hard times, mentoring more junior staff, or bringing in some great recruitment leads.Management results
Whether you’re in a management position or not, you influence others. Keep track of how you have managed others around you, and aided in their success.Extracurricular involvement and activities
This is a sneaky one that is often overlooked. This can come in the form of actual extracurricular involvement, like a work social committee, or anything that you do that is outside of your job scope.Personal achievements
You might be in an organization that really wants to get you as a whole person, including your personal goals and wins. If not, keep track of this anyways to remind yourself of how much you are doing and achieving both on the home and work front.
In summary
The key points here are to make the performance review process easier for yourself by very simply keeping track of what happens throughout the year. Not only will this make the performance review easier and less time intensive for you, you’ll be able to bring in a lot more quality input that will make for a more fruitful and successful performance review conversation with your leader.
