I get it. It’s been a long year, and you’re ready to relax and enjoy the holidays 🧘‍♀️. But, before you sign off for the year and indulge in some egg nog, finish strong and self-assess 2024 while it’s still fresh–even if your performance review isn’t until January.

Ask yourself:

• What were my biggest accomplishments?
• How did my contributions benefit the company?
• What skills did I grow?
• What relationships did I develop or strengthen?
• What accolades did I receive from peers or leaders?
• What development areas need attention?

Many women in the Equipt community have expressed anxiety 😟 in anticipation of performance reviews. It can be nerve-wracking; however, the best way to reduce stress is to prepare. ✍️ Ideally, you’ve been using Equipt’s Hype Sheet (or something similar) to keep track throughout the year, making this exercise easier. Pull that out now. Then, thoroughly assess your overall year using the questions above as a guide, summarize the highlights, and let it simmer for a few days. What have you omitted or downplayed? Use fresh eyes 👀 to read it aloud and refine it before submitting it to your manager (within the timeframe required by your company).

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you nail that performance review meeting:

✅DO Approach like a win/win. They want you to be your best, and you want them to recognize your value.
❌DON’T Approach like a win/lose. Negativity won’t achieve your desired outcomes.

✅DO Practice. Write out what you want to say, record yourself, or role-play with a mentor or partner.
❌DON’T Wing it (this rarely goes well). Prepare an agenda and lead the discussion.

✅DO Share your specific contributions. Focus on how you helped the company achieve its goals.
❌DON’T Blame or criticize colleagues. Highlight what support you need to keep growing or improve.

✅DO Be open to feedback. This is the best way to grow, develop, and get promoted.
❌DON’T Assume you’re performing. Know where you stand by seeking feedback throughout the year.

✅DO Be direct and gracious. Manners matter. Use a warm yet firm tone.
❌DON’T Be aggressive. It’s off-putting and difficult to build rapport.

✅DO State what you want. They can’t read your mind. Know what you want in the upcoming year.
❌DON’T Say “I believe” or “I feel.” Use facts, not feelings.

✅DO Ask for a follow-up. Process the feedback, summarize in email and clarify next steps.
❌DON’T Leave the conversation open-ended. Ask clarifying questions if anything is unclear.

Sometimes, finding the right words for these high-pressure meetings can be difficult. We’ve got your back with Equipt Scripts. This month, I’m sharing our Performance Review Prep Script to give you the language you need to communicate with confidence. 💪

Once your self-assessment is in the books, use this time to reflect upon how far you’ve come in one year, three years, or five. Relish in your professional and personal growth. Now is the time to take it in.

Then, rest, relax and rejuvenate. You deserve it! ✨

You are equipt to nail your performance review.

Kelly