How do you react when it’s time for performance reviews? Are you like the rest of us and wish you didn’t have to do it? I’m with you on this one, comrade.
I understand the pressure you’re under right now. I’d love for you to look on the bright side, though. You’ve been working all year long, and it is almost time to sit down and have your line manager review the work you’ve put into your job in the past year.
Well, just like our mothers do not go for an Owambe without an extra bag to pack party Jollof back home, you do not go into your Performance appraisal meeting without proper planning and preparation.
Top 10 tips to ace your performance appraisals
1. Be prepared mentally
Take a proper nap, read a book, meditate, and clear your head before the meeting. Ensure that you’re free from any tension at all on that day. You can also watch a movie or play games with your favourite people. This ensures that you’re in the right frame of mind before D-day.
2. Have documentation of your accomplishments in the past year
It is helpful to cultivate the habit of keeping records of your work accomplishments. This makes it easy to remember and fill in your work appraisals. If you don’t have this in handy, try to list all your achievements since your last review and scour through your emails for great feedback on projects executed or work done. This would be handy during your appraisal as you can easily remember and articulate all you have achieved.
3. Review your last KPIs
Before going in for the meeting, review the goals assigned to you from the last appraisal and check them against your current accomplishments. Did you meet or exceed them? That is worthy of note and would help you shine at your next appraisal.
4. Know how to communicate
You have put in the work. You must know how to present what you have done clearly. Be confident about the work that you have done. It is helpful to practice with your friends or colleagues beforehand so that you have a good grasp on what to say, and they can equally drill you on possible questions that may be asked
5. Be assertive
There’s a difference between being assertive and being argumentative or aggressive. Make bold statements about yourself and your work achievements. Be bold and direct. Make those demands that would increase your productivity! Please throw your “timidity” in the bin!
6. Always use examples to prove your point
Be sure of whatever point you make, such that you have examples to prove your point. This shows your level of preparedness and confidence in whatever point it is you’re trying to make. e.g. if your punctuality at work is being questioned, give examples of days you came extra early to work and left even later than usual. Remember, be assertive!
7. Set goals moving forward
Have your goals for the coming year documented, and talk about those goals in the meeting when allowed.
8. Discuss ways you would be improving in the coming year
Would you be taking courses, or would you be reading new books? Talk about those plans. Have them understand that you do not plan on being in the same level of growth year in and year out. Instead, you’re seeking more ways to grow and enlarge your capacity to do more in that firm.
9. Be open to Feedback
Be open to criticism. Let your bosses do the talking while you attentively listen and take notes of their feedback. After the meeting, sit down and think about all they said. “Did they have a point?”, “Is this something I can work on?” Ask yourself these questions and work on improving yourself based on their suggestions and feedback.
10. Provide feedback on the company
Highlight a few things you enjoyed in the company the past year and talk about one thing that wasn’t so enjoyable for you. This will position you as showing initiative and caring about the company’s progress.
If you read this article to this point, then you needed this. Now go into that meeting room and ace your appraisal!
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