Performance+Review

Performance Review Now I'd like to tell you a few ways that you may get the most out of a performance review. But first you must know what a performance review is. Performance reviews give employees and employers a chance to evaluate regularly whether they are happy with each other. The review is a meeting between you and your boss to discuss both the results of your work and the process you went through to achieve them. The discussion includes an evaluation of your initiative, problem solving, attitude, professional demeanor, and other qualitative aspects of your performance. First thing you can do is to understand where your boss is coming from. Your boss may have some idea of your accomplishments, but is probably not keeping close tabs on both process and results. Most managers conduct and write up a group of performance reviews at once. Unfortunately they are often under deadlines set by the human resources department and by their boss, and may not have access to everything their direct reports have done during the year. You have to build the case for yourself. The better prepared you are, the easier it is for your boss. Second, document your accomplishments. No one is paying closer attention to your work than you are. The performance review, and the promotion or salary increase that often goes with it, goes much better if you make a habit of keeping good notes about your accomplishments. In addition to helping you make your case in the review, these notes also provide moral support in between reviews. The company wants to know what you've done for it lately. Then, document you attitude. Performance is about results, but not just about results. Attributes such as positive attitude, willingness to put in overtime, and quality of work, are essential. Lastly, you need to listen. When you get constructive feedback in a performance review, listen to it carefully and objectively. If part of the feedback is difficult to hear, take some time to consider what was said, so as not to appear defensive. Later, when you have some privacy, think about what you heard and whether you have an opportunity to learn from it. Companies value employees who can accept professional guidance.