Imagine facing a performance review with dread, heart pounding, and mind racing. This was my reality years ago. A surprising mid-year review left me rattled, despite feeling confident in my work. The unexpected feedback threw me off course. That experience has shaped my approach to performance reviews ever since. I’m determined to face this year’s evaluation with a different mindset.
The stress of year-end reviews can be crippling. You spend all year working hard, and then comes the moment of judgment. This can be anxiety producing for some, and even dreaded for others. Depending on the process in your organization, it can be a process that is cumbersome, confusing, and hard to anticipate what you will receive.
Instead of focusing on the unknown outcome, let’s shift our perspective and use this time to empower ourselves. Here are some ways you can use your winter break (or some time to yourself if you don’t have a break) to help:
- Before diving into the review cycle, schedule a ‘recharge’ day. Do something you love, spend time with loved ones, and completely disconnect from work.
- Grab a journal and spend 15 minutes reflecting on your values. What are the things that truly matter to you in your career and life?
- Ask yourself: What did I achieve this year that I’m proud of? What are my goals for the future? How does this review fit into the bigger picture?
By taking a step back and focusing on what truly matters, you can approach your performance review with a clear mind and a positive attitude. Remember, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the impact you’ve made.
Start your journey to a more positive performance review experience today by scheduling a ‘recharge’ day on your calendar.
By: Teresa Ralicki, Ombuds Lead at Pinterest, founder of Ombuds Institute, and Co-Editor of Ombuzz