It’s review season! As you prep for your end-of-year performance chat, here are some tips to get your head in review mode and get the most out of the discussion.

1.Be clear about your achievements
Making a concrete list of what you’ve achieved between your last review period and now is a helpful way to reflect on your growth. However, it’s important to be specific, back up where you can, and link it back to impact. For example, instead of saying: Implemented reporting, say: Implemented in-depth reporting on [specific thing] that allowed our team to gather [specific] insights which we used for [specific reason]. Positioning your achievements in this way ensures they are taken seriously and shows your value.

2.Take time to reflect
Use this time to personally reflect on everything you’ve achieved and take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Fast-paced work environments often force us to only look at what’s next, but review periods give you the opportunity to reflect and acknowledge the time and effort you’ve put in.
Before you set your goals for the next review, make sure you look at how far you’ve come. Even if you’ve missed some milestones or hit them all, chances are you’ve achieved something and that shouldn’t go unseen. Whether it’s just a personal acknowledgment or something you share with your manager, make the time to do it.

3.Plan to ask for at least one thing from your manager
Upskilling, more support, less meetings? It takes two to make a relationship work, so use this time to think about what more you need from your manager to enable your growth. This also shows you’re serious about growing in your role and are realistic about what you need to do to get there.

4.Be open to receiving feedback
Feedback is the most effective way to grow! It can sometimes be difficult to hear the less positive aspects about ourselves, especially if it’s things you may not be aware of. However, reframing this as an opportunity to learn can make all the difference. Feedback, especially at work, isn’t personal, it’s about the job. Once you see it that way, it’s easier to take it on in a constructively.

5.Prepare for any difficult conversations
Whether it’s about your own performance, what you’re needing from those around you or the big, scary topic of salary, this is the time to address these issues head on, in a mature way. But be prepared not to get the reaction you want. Preparing for challenging conversations isn’t about predicting what someone else will say, it’s about being able to state your needs, intention, or thoughts clearly.