Czaro Strategic Communications

In my last post, I discussed the importance of documenting your workplace accomplishments. Detailing your contributions is the foundation for career growth, especially when preparing for your annual performance review.

Whether your review takes place in a few months or next year, if you follow these five steps, you should have a positive outcome.

• Frequent. Performance Reviews don’t have to be once a year. Take the initiative and schedule regular meetings with your boss. If you’ve been with the organization awhile try quarterly, and if you’re new (to your position or to the organization) consider monthly meetings.
• Own it. Make the agenda your own with the goal being that you want to improve in your position and provide additional value to the organization. You can’t expect your boss to know everything you’ve done, so take this opportunity to present your accomplishments and challenges. In this neutral environment, you can highlight the things you’re doing well without looking like a braggart to your coworkers.
• Ask and you shall receive. You should ask for both positive and constructive feedback. If your boss has suggestions don’t look at them as knocks against you or criticism. Instead approach every negative as a positive.
• Take note. It’s fine to listen attentively, but taking written notes when receiving constructive feedback demonstrates that you’re taking the feedback seriously.

Plan. Want to really impress your boss? Formulate a plan to address the areas you need to improve upon and present it to your boss at a follow-up meeting. This will help you close the gap between your performance reality and your manager’s expectations.

If you follow these five steps, your annual performance review should go smoothly with no surprises. You will have spent the past 12 months demonstrating your competency, proving your value and showing your willingness to improve. More importantly, you will have grown – and your boss will know that. If you’ve mastered your current position, you’ll have made your case for a raise or promotion over the past year.

How do you think your annual performance review will go if you don’t follow these steps? Don’t roll the dice with your future – take charge!