Performance Review | How to Write a Performance Review?

What are Performance Reviews?

A performance review is a process in which an employer assesses the job performance of one or more employees, ideally based on the job expectations of that particular position. Performance evaluation includes input on strengths and development opportunities, goal setting, and dialogue about professional growth.

How to Write a Performance Review?

Writing a performance review can be a challenging task, but here are some general tips to help you get started:

Set goals and expectations: You should know long before drafting the review what is expected of an employee.
Gather data: Provide specific data and performance proofs of an employee’s performance, such as numbers around completed projects, feedback for their work from colleagues or customers, and performance metrics.
Use specific language: When describing the performance, speak in specific and objective terms about areas of success and where improvement is needed.
Provide actionable feedback: You must give your employees steps on how they can improve, which is critical.
Be respectful and professional: Avoid using inflammatory language or personal insults, and keep a professional and polite tone in the review.
Set goals for the future: Finally, wrap up the review by establishing goals and expectations for the employee’s upcoming performance regarding career advancement or training you both may have discussed.

A performance review is a communication mechanism between an employer and an employee that should flow in both directions. So, listen, offer feedback, and encourage the teammates to share their viewpoints on how they experience their daily work.

How to Ask for a Performance Review?

Even if it is very difficult to find the courage to ask for performance suggestions, here are some guiding steps to keep in mind when having this talk:

Schedule a meeting: Ask your manager if you can sit down and talk about how you are doing. You might give your manager enough notice to prepare themselves before you can word it.
Explain your reasons: Say why you want the performance review. You may also be looking for progress feedback, career development opportunities, planning a salary negotiation, etc.
Come prepared: Take the differences in your work and any feedback you get from colleagues and customers to the table.
Be open to feedback: Expect to be provided suggestions and tips on how you can improve, so listen carefully to what your manager has to say. Seek clarification, and do not try to defend yourself or start an argument.
Set goals for the future: End the meeting by discussing goals and expectations and any career development, progression, or training opportunities that could be utilized.

By asking for a performance review, you show ambition to improve your performance and move up in your career. Be prepared to get real with yourself and be open to feedback; you might just find that you have almost become the expert.

Also, See: Vesting Meaning