Quick Tip – Get Ready for Peer Reviews

Annual review season is almost here – Issue #82

Annual performance reviews are dead, long live performance reviews!

I think that the reports of the death of performance reviews have been greatly exaggerated. I keep reading articles proclaiming that they are fading away, but only 10% of Fortune 500 companies have done away with annual ratings.

In fact, almost 70% of companies still conduct an annual or bi-annual performance review. 94% of employees wish that their boss would provide useful feedback in real-time, but we all know that it is hit or miss and depends on having a great manager.

Like it or not, most of you will probably be preparing for and receiving your review during the coming months. I wish that people would build the case for a positive review throughout the year, but many put it off until the last minute.

You will typically be asked to provide a list of peers who can provide input on your performance. My advice is to create your own pending list and talk with those people ahead of time.

Let them know that you value their feedback on your work performance for the year. Reassure them that you’re open to both positive comments and constructive criticism. In reality, some people will be comfortable with this, and some will not.

Regardless, ask them to share any concerns so that you have a chance to discuss things openly now and be prepared to discuss any issues with your manager later. If you want people to be honest with you and give you feedback that can help you grow, you can’t become defensive. Accept the input, and thank them for sharing it with you.

Once you’ve met with everyone, you should now have a good sense of who you want on the review list that you’ll recommend to your manager. It won’t all be sunshine and puppies, of course.

There will be some people your manager will want on the list, whether you want them on it or not. That may include an unpleasant coworker who was challenging to work with on a critical project.

All you should want is a fair and honest assessment from everyone. However, if you meet with a person and it seems like they have an unfair view of you and an incorrect assessment of your performance, feel free to leave them off the list.

Take the time now to get ahead of any issues and be prepared. Proactively meeting with people and asking for feedback is a sign of seniority and professionalism. It will help!