Here 7 Performance Appraisal tips to ensure you’ve a great Performance Review
- Revisit the goal set for this year
- Treat the review like an interview
- Compile a brag book
- Ready yourself for criticism
- Negotiate your compensation
- Look for other workable options
- Sign off with an email
You may #LoveWhatYouDo through the year, but chances are that you have no affection for performance reviews. This annual rite of passage is something most office-goers dread, as it puts one’s job, professional reputation and income on the line.
But what if we told you there’s a lot you can do right now to ensure you get the results you want? A little preparation could influence your chances of getting a promotion, raise or changes in your working environment over the next year.
Try these 7 tips to rock your performance review.
1. Revisit the goals set for this year
If you’ve already had a review at the firm you’re with now, you will already have a list of goals and KRAs set at the end of your last evaluation. You would have been working on these for the past year, and it’s time to take stock of the accomplishments you’ve made. Revisiting the list will help you build a case for a great performance review.
Tip: If a project got delayed or a new boss gave you a different direction, put together documentation that explains changes like these.
2. Treat the review like an interview
Taking some control of your manager’s perception of you is key to a successful performance review. So approach the review process like an interview for a new job and prepare a pitch for what you want – be it more responsibilities, a transfer to a bigger office, a raise or a promotion.
Tip: Being prepared with your pitch isn’t enough in a high stakes situation like this. You need to rehearse your argument, to ensure you exude the necessary confidence, competence and likability to seal the deal.
3. Compile a ‘brag book’
There’s no avoiding the fact that a review is the time – your time – to outline all that you have contributed to the team and company. But to avoid coming off as arrogant, put together what Fred R. Cooper, founder and managing partner of Compass HR Consulting, calls a “brag book”. This is essentially letters of recommendation, notes from clients and other things that show how well you’ve performed.
Tip: Putting the brag book together is easy if you file away all these things every month in a folder on your computer.
4. Ready yourself for criticism
You may consider yourself a rock star at work, but be prepared for negative feedback. Slipping into defensive mode or losing your cool won’t work. Listen sincerely, as anyone who wants to grow should be able to take constructive criticism.
Tip: See the negative feedback as a challenge and start working on fixing the problem. Schedule follow-up meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress – it’s an indication that you took the review seriously.
5. Negotiate your compensation
Now that you know what you’ve brought to the table, it’s important to figure out how your organisation can compensate you for your hard work. Bring up the matter, focusing on what you think you deserve, especially if you’ve done all that you should have to earn it. If the disparity between what you expect and what you are offered is too large, try negotiating an increase. Bosses usually have discretionary power over the total amount of raises in their teams and an aggressive supervisor can help you get near an amount you’ll be happy with.
Tip: If you’re uncomfortable discussing money, ask how you can grow further. Most often than not, this will lead to a discussion about money.
6. Look for other workable options
If the raise you are getting doesn’t meet your expectations, try negotiating for something else that you want. It could be flexi-work twice a week, extra vacation days, another review six months down the line or additional perks like attending a couple of international conferences.
Tip: A change of title looks good on your email and visiting card, so suggest that can make up for a poor raise.
7. Sign off with an email
An “email of understanding” listing the commitments you and your boss have made to each other is a good idea. Sending out this email lets your boss know that you mean business and gives you negotiating leverage for the next review.
Tip: Emphasise your desire to work with your manager to find solutions, so you can move towards career advancement.
Looking to sharpen your career management skills? Click here for more tips and advice.
