How to Take Charge of Your Annual Performance Discussion

Michelle addresses strategies for women to effectively manage performance reviews, career progression conversations, salary negotiations, and navigating gender biases in the workplace.

Key Points:

1. Mindset Shift:

- Performance reviews are business meetings, not tests.

- Move from anxiety to proactive preparation.

2. Effective Performance Review Preparation:

- Gather evidence continuously; document accomplishments and contributions regularly.

- Use the STAR(O) method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, and Outcome for structured evidence.

- Prevent "accomplishment amnesia" by keeping ongoing records.

3. Setting the Agenda:

- Take charge by proactively proposing career goals and objectives.

- Reframe missed targets into learning opportunities; emphasize your growth mindset.

4. Salary Discussions:

- Frame requests using Business Intelligence (BQ): strategic, financial acumen, and ambition.

- Use data-backed reasoning, tie your achievements directly to organizational outcomes.

- Conduct salary benchmarking to understand industry standards and position yourself effectively.

- Clearly communicate compensation expectations using assertive, business-like language.

- Timing is crucial; prepare your manager and avoid surprises.

5. Career Progression Conversations:

- Initiate conversations early; don’t wait to be noticed.

- Nail your current role to be considered for advancement.

- Partner with your manager and strategic mentor in career planning.

6. Navigating Personality vs. Performance Feedback:

- Recognize gender bias; women frequently receive personality-based feedback.

- Redirect vague feedback by asking for specific examples and connect feedback to measurable outcomes.

- Counter biased feedback with documented, positive stakeholder evidence.

7. Advocating with Confidence:

- Confidence is built on competence and courage.

- Emphasize BQ—link your contributions explicitly to organizational success.

- Use clear, direct, and assertive language; eliminate diminishing phrases.

- Practice and prepare for challenging discussions, rehearsing with trusted colleagues or mentors.

Key Takeaways:

- Prepare continuously: Document achievements regularly.

- Advocate proactively: Speak clearly about your career ambitions and compensation.

- Understand the system :Navigate gender dynamics and organizational politics effectively.

Action Item:

Book a proactive conversation with your manager within one month to discuss your performance, career goals, or compensation.

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