While reviews are an opportunity to reflect upon past work, they are also the perfect occasion for shaping future work. Here are 5 Tips that will maximize your experience and your manager’s too.
1. Bring a list of your accomplishments. For your Top 3, be prepared to discuss exactly how your unique contribution made an impact. Is there a statistic or measurement you can tie to it?
For example, you (1) Converted a key account that generated $114K in revenue. (2) Performed research that advanced a new product or service to the next stage. (3) You completed a Professional Development course and used it create 3 new strategic relationships (Share with whom and what knowledge you gained).
Keep in mind…You add value, Sis! Be sure to share your accomplishments with pride. When you show that you value your worth, they will too. And remember…
IT’S NOT BRAGGING WHEN IT’S TRUE!
2. Be crystal clear on your goals.
What do you want to accomplish this year? Are you seeking your next level via a promotion? Is there training or A workshop you want to attend? Do you want to expand your exposure to a certain type of account, process or product?
Consider what gets you excited and what adds value to your career and the company.
Decide on your goals and choose opportunities that light you up and feed your highest and best self. This separates you from those who cruise along in their careers assuming someone else will invite them into opportunities. Take ownerships via clarity of your goals.
3. Plan to ask for at least one thing.
Per your goals, what resources do you need to accomplish them?
Craft a succinct question.
Ask it.
Use the Power of the Pause and wait for your manager to respond.
Is the answer YES? Woo hoo! Let’s celebrate!
Is the answer NO? Here is your required question for follow up.
What do I need to do to turn that NO into a YES?
4. Ask your manager what his or her goals are this year.
While you’re going about your daily tasks and working toward your goals, be efficient by working in tandem with your manager’s goals too. Maximize your effort by ensuring that are working in alignment.
5a. If you receive negative feedback…
Ugh, that punch in the gut never feels good. As much as you may not want to admit it in the moment, however, there is MASSIVE VALUE in this type of feedback. Here’s how to respond.
- Take a deep breath.
- Assume the person delivering the information has the highest level of intent and is sharing this with you as an opportunity for growth.
- Consider that it is a GIFT they are giving you…even if it doesn’t feel like it’s packaged with a nice bow. Use the feedback as motivation to improve. Use it as an opportunity to show you can learn. Receive it with humility and gratitude. “Thank you for pointing that out.”
Followed by “How do you recommend I work toward improvement?”
5b. If you DON’T receive negative feedback, be sure to ask…
“What is one thing I can do to improve?” Takes notes and consider how you might be able to incorporate the suggestions into your goals or create a new one.
You work hard. You are a go-getter and a valuable contributor at your company. Use these five steps…(1) Highlight your accomplishments in a measurable way, (2) Be clear on your goals, (3) Ask for one thing, (4) Ask your manager what are his/her goals, and (5) Receive feedback by converting into an opportunity to derive maximum value at your next review...or maybe even sooner!
Use these tips to build confidence and set yourself up for success in 2022!
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