How to Prepare for a Performance Management Review
- 1). Ask for feedback throughout the year. Preparation for a review begins after the previous review. Stay in constant communication with superiors. Find out what job expectations are on a monthly basis and verify changes from previous expectations. Written documentation of expectations are good even if it’s only email. Ask if there are specifics that superiors would like to see in the final work product and follow through with their expectations.
- 2). Request a copy of the tool used to conduct the review. Many bosses ask employees to complete reviews of themselves and then compare notes with the review they completed. Employees can then discuss variances in the two reviews and discuss how the employee can improve their performance in the future. Reviewing the tool also gives the employee a clearer vision of expectations.
- 3). Document accomplishments over the past year. Journaling accomplishments on a monthly basis is good way to keep track a successful year. The ability to recall accomplishments in a succinct manner without hesitating will impress superiors and may influence decisions made about the employee’s future.
- 4). Determine if salary increases have been approved for the year. Often monetary increases are placed on hold in an organization until the bottom line looks better for the organization. Gaining this information will help employees manage their expectations about what to expect from a favorable review.
- 5). Review salaries at sites like salary.com. Many of these sites offer free services that give the minimum, medium and maximum salary for specific positions within a regional area. This helps employees determine their actual worth from a salary perspective among their peers in specific locations.
- 6). Be honest about work habits. Discuss issues that hinder performance with boss and determine if modifications in the work environment can improve performance.
