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As an employee, a performance review can be a nerve-wracking experience. It’s a time when your boss evaluates your work and provides feedback on your strengths and weaknesses. However, with the right mindset and preparation, a performance review can also be an opportunity to showcase your accomplishments, receive valuable feedback, and set new goals for your professional growth.
In this blog post, discover five secrets to a successful performance review and templates and resources to help you prepare.
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Secret #1: Create a pre-performance review checklist
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a successful performance review is to create a pre-performance review checklist. This checklist will help you ensure that you are fully prepared for your review and that you have all the necessary information and documentation to support your performance.
The pre-performance review checklist should include the following:
- Review your job description and performance goals
- Review your personal development plan, if you have one
- Review your previous performance review
- Gather data and documentation to support your accomplishments
- Prepare a list of questions for your boss
- Practice your communication skills
By reviewing your job description and performance goals, you will have a better understanding of the expectations your boss has for you. You can also use this information to identify areas where you need to improve and set new goals for your professional growth.
Your previous performance review is also a valuable resource as it provides insight into how your boss views your performance and the areas where you need to improve. By reviewing your previous review, you can identify any patterns or trends in your performance and address them proactively.
Gathering data and documentation to support your accomplishments is essential as it provides evidence of your contributions to the company. This could include reports, project plans, emails, and feedback from clients or colleagues.
Preparing a list of questions for your boss is also important as it shows that you are proactive and interested in improving your performance. You could ask questions such as:
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What goals should I set for the next year?
- How can I improve my performance in a specific area?
Lastly, practicing your communication skills is important as it ensures that you are confident and articulate during your performance review. You could practice with a friend or family member or use online resources such as Toastmasters International, which offers communication and leadership training.
Model/template for creating a pre-performance review checklist:
Pre-performance review template for self assessment
Secret #2: Use the CAR method to showcase your accomplishments
During your performance review, it’s important to showcase your accomplishments to demonstrate your value to the company. However, simply listing your achievements is not enough. You need to provide evidence of your contributions and the impact they have had on the company.
One effective method for showcasing your accomplishments is the CAR method. CAR stands for Challenge, Action, and Result.
- Challenge: What was the problem or challenge you faced?
- Action: What actions did you take to address the problem?
- Result: What was the outcome of your actions?
Using the CAR method helps you provide a clear and concise explanation of your accomplishments, and the impact they have had on the company. It also demonstrates your problem-solving skills and your ability to take initiative.
For example, if you were part of a team that implemented a new system that improved productivity, you could use the CAR method to showcase your contribution in a clear and concise way.
Challenge: The team was struggling to meet productivity targets due to an inefficient system.
Action: I researched and recommended a new system that would streamline processes and increase productivity.
Result: The new system was implemented, and productivity increased by 20%.
Model/template for using the CAR method:
Secret #3: Practice active listening
Active listening is a critical skill that can help you have a successful performance review. Active listening means fully focusing on what the other person is saying, understanding their perspective, and responding appropriately. It also means avoiding distractions and interruptions and providing feedback when appropriate.
During your performance review, active listening can help you understand your boss’s feedback, demonstrate your respect for their perspective, and show your commitment to your professional growth.
To practice active listening during your performance review, you should:
- Maintain eye contact with your boss
- Avoid interrupting them
- Use nonverbal cues such as nodding to show that you are listening
- Ask clarifying questions to ensure that you understand their feedback
- Provide feedback and ask questions when appropriate
Practicing active listening during your performance review can help you build a stronger relationship with your boss, demonstrate your professionalism, and ensure that you receive valuable feedback that can help you improve your performance.
Practice active listening:
Positive psychology active listening
Secret #4: Demonstrate your commitment to your professional growth
One of the most important things you can do during your performance review is to demonstrate your commitment to your professional growth. This means showing your boss that you are invested in your job and that you are willing to take steps to improve your skills and knowledge.
There are several ways to demonstrate your commitment to your professional growth during your performance review:
- Discuss your professional goals with your boss and identify ways to achieve them
- Request feedback on your skills and areas for improvement
- Participate in training and development opportunities offered by your company
- Take on new responsibilities or projects that challenge you
- Network with colleagues and seek mentorship opportunities
Demonstrating your commitment to your professional growth can help you build a positive reputation within the company, demonstrate your value, and position yourself for future opportunities.
Further learning on how to demonstrate your commitment to your professional growth:
LinkedIn Learning: Professional development plan
Secret #5: Follow up after the performance review
Following up after your performance review is important as it shows that you take the feedback seriously and are committed to improving your performance. It also provides an opportunity to clarify any feedback or goals and ensure that you are aligned with your boss’s expectations.
To follow up after your performance review, you should:
- Review the feedback and goals from your performance review
- Develop an action plan to address any areas for improvement
- Schedule a follow-up meeting with your boss to discuss your progress
- Provide regular updates on your progress towards your goals
Following up after your performance review can help you stay accountable, demonstrate your commitment to your professional growth, and ensure that you are aligned with your boss’s expectations.
Further learning for how to follow up after the performance review:
How to respond to a good performance review
How to respond to a bad performance review
Conclusion
In conclusion, a successful performance review requires preparation, active listening, and a commitment to your professional growth. By creating a pre-performance review checklist, using the CAR method to showcase your accomplishments, practicing active listening, demonstrating your commitment to your professional growth, and following up after your performance review, you can ensure that you receive valuable feedback, set new goals, and position yourself for future opportunities.
Further reading
