It’s that time of year where the mid year (or maybe end of year?) performance review starts to loom.
Where are you in your preparation?
- Oh blast! I haven’t done anything to prepare!
- I don’t know what to expect, it makes me nervous
- I haven’t started on any of my goals for the year
- I’m ready, bring it on!
Or perhaps even
- I’ve had my review already and it was the usual waste of time.
If you haven’t done anything to prepare, what’s getting in the way? Because this is YOUR chance to talk about YOURSELF and what YOU’VE achieved, and to look ahead to see what else YOU want to get done.
If you don’t know what to expect from the review meeting, is that because you haven’t been having regular catch ups with your line manage to discuss your progress, get valuable feedback (feedback is a gift, good or bad), hold accountability and plan for the future?
If you haven’t started on any of your goals, why not? Are they the right goals? Do they mean something to you and the advancement of your career? Are they too big and overwhelming? Are they broken down into short term milestones?
If you feel ready for it, that’s great. Perhaps also check in with why you’re so (too?) comfortable. Are you cruising and keeping things easy so you’ll always shine? Or maybe you’re one of those lucky ones who have regular contact with the boss, helpful yet challenging feedback that pushes you forward and helps you to grow, goals that you care about and are designed to keep you pushing into your discomfort zone?
And if it’s been and gone and was a waste of time…what part did you play in that? Because it’s easy and convenient to lay all the blame at your boss’s feet.
So. Where are you at? Where do you want to be at?
It’s your career, after all.
As someone wisely said to me many years ago: “Imagine you’re the CEO of your own company. How successful do you want to be?”
It got me thinking how the buck stops with me, it spurred me on, made me take ownership of my career, and reignited my passion for learning. When I had a disinterested boss (which I’m lucky didn’t happen often) I didn’t let that stand in my way.
I also engaged with a coach, who supported me, questioned me, challenged me, even called out bullshit when she saw it. My self-awareness developed massively (an on-going journey) and I found myself pushing through discomfort and fear, redefining my goals, and achieving things I never thought possible.
So once again: where are you at? Where do you want to be at? And why?
And how, exactly, are you going to get there?
