If the thought of your performance review makes you cringe or sends you into a panic, you’re not alone. Many talented women find these conversations daunting. However, with the right strategies, you can transform your review into an opportunity to showcase your achievements and set the stage for your future.

Here are seven effective ways to approach your review with confidence and intention.

1. Capture your wins as they happen

You know that feeling when you get to your review and suddenly can’t remember a single thing you’ve accomplished all year? Let’s avoid that! The trick is to keep track of your wins as they happen—not just the tasks you completed, but how they made a difference.

In our RISE program, we introduce participants to the ‘TA DA’ method, which helps them document their achievements in real-time. This approach ensures that your hard work is fully acknowledged. When you prepare well and capture all the juicy details, you can present your contributions in a way that truly showcases your value. For instance, if one of your major accomplishments was leading a successful marketing initiative in your division, instead of simply stating, “I led the marketing campaign”, you might say, “My leadership of the digital component drove a 22% increase in sales on the East Coast and helped us exceed our distribution targets”. This not only highlights your impact but also aligns your efforts with the company’s strategic goals.

2. Turn your self-evaluation into your personal pitch

Your self-evaluation is your moment to shine. This isn’t just a box to check; it’s your opportunity to shape the narrative around your contributions. Highlight not only your successes but also the skills and insights you’ve developed.

For example, if you’ve led a larger team or taken on a stretch project that required collaboration across functions, use this opportunity to illustrate how your leadership traits facilitated cohesion and alignment within the group. Share specific instances where your contributions helped improve team dynamics or drive results. It’s about demonstrating your professional growth and providing examples that reflect your development.

3. Don’t wait until the review to get feedback

If you’re only hearing from your manager once a year, you’re missing out on valuable insights. Regularly soliciting feedback keeps you aligned with expectations and shows your commitment to growth. Instead of waiting for the annual review, create opportunities for check-ins with your boss.

This proactive approach not only helps you gauge your progress but also ensures that you minimise surprises during the review. For instance, consider scheduling informal catch-ups after completing significant projects to discuss your performance and gather insights.

4. Shift the focus from weaknesses to growth

Everyone has areas for improvement, but instead of framing these as weaknesses, consider them growth opportunities. This perspective reflects self-awareness and highlights your proactive approach to development.

For instance, rather than saying, “I struggle with delegation”, you might frame it as, “I recognise that delegation is an area for development. To address this, I’m implementing new project management tools to streamline our processes”. This shift in language showcases your commitment to improvement and highlights specific actions you’re taking to enhance your skills.

5. Tie your work to the company’s goals

Connecting your achievements to broader organisational objectives is essential for illustrating your value. Instead of simply stating, “I completed the quarterly report”, you could frame it as, “By delivering the quarterly report ahead of schedule, I enabled the executive team to make timely decisions that opened two new revenue streams”. This approach clearly demonstrates the tangible impact of your contributions and shows how your work aligns with the company’s strategic direction.

6. Speak your manager’s language with metrics

Managers appreciate data that is tangible and repeatable. Tailor the metrics you present to align with your manager’s priorities—whether it’s growth, efficiency, or revenue.

For example, “By automating routine tasks, I saved the team 10 hours a week, allowing us to focus on strategic initiatives that generated an additional $500K in new business”. Presenting relevant data reinforces your effectiveness and resonates with leadership, making it clear how your work contributes to the company’s bottom line.

7. Make feedback a two-way conversation

Your performance review should be a dialogue. Prepare to share your insights on team dynamics and processes. If the conversation feels one-sided, don’t hesitate to ask questions that invite your manager to share their perspective.

Consider what you want to achieve in the review—validation, guidance, and alignment on future goals. Engaging in a balanced discussion fosters a collaborative atmosphere and enhances the review experience for both of you.

What if you need a little extra support?

If the thought of your performance review is causing you stress or leaving you unsure about your career trajectory, you don’t have to navigate it alone. My RISE Accelerate program is designed to help ambitious women like you gain the clarity, confidence, and strategies needed to handle reviews with ease and elevate your career.

If you’re ready to transform your approach to performance reviews and take your career to new heights, let’s connect. RISE might be exactly what you need to make that leap.

Now, take these strategies to heart and give them a go—you might just surprise yourself with the results!