how to prep for your next review.
If you’ve just wrapped up your mid-year performance review, this is your gentle nudge to start prepping for the next one. Yes, even if it’s six months away.
Unless you're happy to skip the next promotion or salary bump, in that case, feel free to ignore all of this.
But if you relate to someone who was once very confused (and somewhat upset) by being told I was doing great, and still got nothing out of my reviews, well, hi.
Did I prep in time? Absolutely not.
I pulled together whatever I could remember the night before and assumed my manager had kept track instead (spoiler: they were busy with their own work).
So, if you'd like your next review to feel a little less frustrating, here are a few things that might help:
Get clear on what you want, and then ask your manager what you need to show to get there. What does “exceeding expectations” actually look like? Once you have a clear answer, break it down and start tracking your impact right away, so you’ve got the receipts to remind them of your goal at every check-in.
Make feedback a habit and start asking for it regularly, from teammates, stakeholders, anyone involved in your work. It doesn’t need to be super formal, just a quick check-in after a project wraps up. Make sure to implement the constructive bits, and save the nice words to support your case later.
Connect your work to what matters, aka business goals, your manager’s headaches, and team priorities. But don’t discount the softer stuff either. People who bring energy, take initiative, and create community usually get promoted more quickly (google culture carriers if this is news to you).
Be mindful of the context, whether the company is going through layoffs, a mix-up in leadership, or budgets are shifting. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t ask for what you want, but it helps to be more strategic in how you advocate for yourself.
And if all of this feels like a lot to figure out on your own, coaching can be a great support.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
