Many employees do not see the benefit of performance reviews. At best, they see them as an inconvenience and, at worst, a stressful and nerve-racking experience. But they shouldn’t be – performance reviews are a fantastic opportunity for employees.
So, if you find performance reviews worse than a colonoscopy, here are some thoughts to help you get the most out of your review.
Performance reviews help get the recognition you deserve
If you ever feel like your hard work goes unnoticed, then a performance review is the perfect time to get the recognition you deserve. It’s an opportunity to highlight your past accomplishments, which frequently get overshadowed by the few things you could be doing better. Often, your review is read by your manager’s manager, so highlighting those wins up the management chain can do wonders for your career.
That said, it’s not just about soft recognition. Your review is your opportunity to make that pitch for a pay rise or even a promotion. And a time to set some ambitious goals for the next review period. So, if you’re looking for a way to get ahead, your performance review is the perfect platform.
Performance reviews provide you with feedback
A good performance review should provide an honest and objective assessment of how well you’ve been doing in your role. This feedback is invaluable because it can help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Build on your strengths, and work on your weaknesses.
Remember, negative feedback may be unpleasant, but it is valuable. Rise above how it makes you feel and see it as an opportunity, not a criticism.
Use your performance review to air your concerns
Your review is also an excellent opportunity to raise any concerns you have about your job, career or even your organisation. Maybe you’re unhappy with your current workload or feel you’re not given enough responsibility. Whatever it is, this is your chance to speak up and have an open and honest conversation with your manager.
Take control over your development
You are the architect of your own career. Of course, your boss can help to open doors and provide opportunities, but it’s ultimately up to you to make things happen. And a performance review is the perfect time to sculpt your path forward (hopefully up). It’s an opportunity to discuss your longer-term aspirations and where you want to be in the next two, five or even ten years. With this in mind, you can work with your manager to create a development plan to help you achieve these goals.
Understand your performance
You will need to self evaluate your performance as part of your review. Don’t waste this opportunity! Many employees choose to gloss over the details, particularly when it comes to underperformance. However, in reality, it’s a wonderful chance to think hard about your efforts and is key to getting the most out of your performance review. Your review is also a time to look for any patterns in your performance or feedback that can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
Armed with this knowledge, you can pre-emptively impress your managers and make yourself a much more viable candidate for advancement.
Final thoughts
Performance reviews don’t have to be a drag. If you approach them with the right attitude, they can be a positive experience that boosts your career. So next time you dread your review, remember these notes and make it work for you!
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