Photo credit: forbes.com
I remember sitting in front of the computer screen, mind blank, fingers stuck in the air, wondering what in the world to write in my self performance review. Especially for those who don’t particularly enjoy talking, or writing, about themselves, it can be challenging. Yet writing your self performance review is an integral part of your career; not only is there no way to escape it, it’s actually a golden opportunity for you to improve your performance and foster a positive dialogue with your managers and colleagues.
Self performance reviews allow employees to analyze their own strengths, and maybe most importantly, be honest about their weaknesses. It’s also an outlet to discuss new training taken, skills acquired, projects completed. While many think this process is nothing but a large bragging scheme, it turns out to be one of the most missed improvement opportunities for managers and employees alike. Here’s what to keep in mind when navigating the professionally perilous waters of self reviews:
1. Prepare for It! You can’t bull… your way out of a self performance review, unless you want it to reflect badly on you! In order to showcase your accomplishments, analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and present a compelling review, you must prepare! I keep a spreadsheet listing all the projects I’ve worked on, as well as their respective outcomes, and any strengths or weaknesses I’ve noted of myself as related to these. When review time comes around, it’s just a matter of retrieving all this information, massaging it and voila!
2. It’s not personal, it’s business! It’s important to remove the personal aspect in self performance reviews. It’s really about business and performance. Whether you like your manager or find your peers are hindering your progress, this is not the forum for it. Be as objective as possible, cite specific projects and details, avoid personal feelings, which brings me to my next point…
3. Showcase your accomplishments! Many, especially women, find it difficult to emphasize their success without sounding like they’re bragging. Well, at the expense of feeling slightly uncomfortable in your modest skin, do not be afraid of recognizing your successes. One way to not sound like you’re bragging is to be clear and detailed about your contributions. The more specific, the more objective-sounding.
4. Recognize weaknesses! If your self review has zero weaknesses or opportunities for improvement, you’re in trouble! No one’s perfect, and neither are you. Acknowledge your mistakes, but be careful not to give your manager ammunition to downgrade his review of your work. Put a positive spin on your weaknesses, focusing on what you can improve as opposed to what you totally sucked at. Your review should reflect that you’re a (good) work in progress, not a lost cause…
5. Ask about growth opportunities! A self review is also a great place to ask for what you need. If you’re lacking resources, adequate training, or additional support, mention it in a constructive way, without criticizing the current state of things. Be proactive!
Any other tips to write your self review?
The Corporate Sis.
