You can be in control of your review. Too many people arrive at their review in a passive state of mind. This is not just a chance to sit back and hear feedback. This is an opportunity to be in control of your story and your future. - What is the narrative you want to convey about yourself?
- What would a successful outcome look like to you?
When you know what you want to say, and what you want to do with the information you receive, your review will become 10 times more valuable than if you simply wait to hear what your boss says.
On your worksheet, start by brainstorming your year-end statement. Even if this statement isn't a part of your formal work review, clarifying your thoughts in this way can give you a strong direction for your conversation with your manager.
How did you grow this year? Where did you shine? Where is this work leading you, and what impact is it having on the organization?
Then start on your achievement outline. This is critical. These are going to be the concrete successes you can point to and demonstrate your value.
Tips:
1. Don't assume your boss knows anything you've done. Even if you work on a small team, the odds that your boss could think of even a fraction of the accomplishments you've had this year are slim to none. They have their own job, their own boss, and all their direct reports to keep track of. Assume they have no reference walking into your review.
2. Get the numbers! Numbers give your manager a simple concrete thing to hold onto for understanding how successful you were. Much easier to grasp than a long story of what you did. How many customers did you serve? How much revenue did you generate? How ahead of schedule were you?
3. Use your planner and email for way-back research. Remember January? Yeah, me neither. Don't rely on your memory for your achievements. Go back through your planner, emails, calendars, journals, wherever you might have information about amazing work you did, so it doesn't get forgotten.
The last step is thinking of the questions you want to ask. This is an opportunity to be highly targeted and get really valuable information. Make sure it is the information you need.
Ask what is needed from you to get the promotion that you want. Ask about how success is measured on your team or in your larger organization. Ask about your strengths and weaknesses. Ask what your manager needs from you.
Take control of your review. Make it work for you and your goals.
You can do this. | 
