Will the 2020 annual performance review be different because of the pandemic? Many articles suggest it will be. How do you prepare for your annual review in a way that highlights your potential as a high-performer? After the holidays, most managers and human resource teams begin preparing for the lengthy process of evaluating everyone’s performance in their organization from the CEO down. However, many employees show up for their annual review unprepared. Shouldn’t you start preparing for your annual review too?
For many people, the annual review is a dreaded conversation because so many managers are awful evaluators. Annual reviews are often full of recentisms rather than an objective view of the entire year. Furthermore, some managers exaggerate one or two mistakes without acknowledging the progress achieved after those mistakes. Moreover, many managers fail to provide specific examples of the areas they score low or high. All of this leaves you wondering why they keep you, why you stay, or why you try so hard.
How will the pandemic change the annual employee performance review? For one, checking off on goals established at the end of 2018 would be irresponsible. Markets have shifted. Where employees carry out their work has shifted. Many employees are doing multiple jobs filling in for colleagues who no longer work for the organization. Additionally, many employees are also acting as teachers and caregivers during the workday.
In response to these seismic shifts to the work-life, management and leadership teams have lowered quotas and are removing “does not meet” from the performance language. They will also evaluate the whole person rather than just their work self. However, if you are unfortunate enough to have a bad boss, the annual performance review will likely be unchanged.
The theme of your annual performance review will be empathetic, caring, and supportive. Additionally, many companies have gone to great lengths to survive the economic turmoil COVID-19 has brought with it. As a result, they won’t hand out fat bonuses, raises, or many promotions. For that reason, a glowing review is the least your manager can offer.
Seven questions to ask yourself that will prepare you for your annual performance review
Career coaches agree that asking yourself these questions prepare you for an engaged and productive annual performance review discussion.
What have you accomplished this year?
Asking yourself this question to prepare for your annual performance review is especially important if you assumed furloughed colleagues’ jobs. It is a good idea to spend time reflecting on big and small accomplishments. Take note of achievements that were in and out of your swim lane. Anything you’ve accomplished during the pandemic is worthy of recognition and pride.
What didn’t you get done?
Asking yourself this question prepares you to discuss why you missed certain goals over the year. The pandemic shifted priorities and resources to help the organization survive. As a result, other goals and objectives became a priority. Therefore, it is good to reflect on how those changes impacted your ability to achieve the established goals at the start of the year. It is also wise to articulate why particular goals were sacrificed and what was accomplished in its place.
What needs to come off your plate, or what areas do you need help with?
It is normal for people to take on additional responsibilities outside of their job description. As a result, take the time to think of those responsibilities and address moving them during your annual performance review. Taking on additional work is a good thing for your career, but sometimes they weigh you down and hold you back. The annual performance review discussion is a great time to surface those things so you and your boss can work on a plan to transition them elsewhere.
What do you want or need to be successful?
Too many people don’t ask their boss for the things they want or need, and it holds their career back. Therefore you need to at least ask for one thing. Your annual performance review is a great time to tell your boss what you want out of the next year. Therefore, put some serious thought into this question to prepare you for your annual review. Asking to lead a project or meeting, provide departmental updates to executive leadership, or managing a team are great things to ask your boss for during your annual performance review.
What are your goals?
Showing up to your annual performance review with goals you want to accomplish is a smart move. What skills do you want to improve or develop? What do you want to accomplish or KPIs do you want to reach for? If you lead a team or department, what do you want them to accomplish that moves the business forward? Don’t wait for your annual performance review discussion to think about your goals. Ask yourself this question and be prepared to discuss them with your boss.
What questions do you want to ask your boss?
Your performance review is a great time to get clear on what your boss wants, how they think, and understand the bigger picture. What are the company’s goals? What are their goals, and how can you support them? How will you know if you are meeting expectations throughout the year? What specific metrics should you track to understand if you are doing a good job? Invest time in identifying questions to ask your boss during your annual performance review shows you are engaged in your success.
How will you respond to negative feedback?
While the overall theme of annual performance reviews will be positive and supportive, you may still receive negative feedback. Spend time thinking about how you will respond to areas your boss felt you could have done better. Mentally preparing ahead of time helps you stay open-minded when receiving constructive feedback during your annual performance review. Doing so is good for your development, your relationship with your boss, and your future in that role.
The pandemic has changed the annual performance review. You will know you have a good boss and leadership team if the theme of your annual performance review is empathetic, caring, and supportive. However, that doesn’t mean to sit back and relax. Showing up to your annual performance review prepared will impress your boss and identifies you as a future leader within the organization. Asking yourself these questions will prepare you for an engaged and productive annual performance review.
Last updated on April 15th, 2021 at 07:46 am
