Employee Annual Review Tips & Best Practices

Completing a self-assessment and reviewing it with your manager is an important part of the Grow and Perform cycle. Below are some tips and resources for writing your assessment and holding a successful feedback session.  

Tips for Writing Your Self-Assessment

Reflect on the Year

Review your goals, projects, and accomplishments from the past year, including how you demonstrated the competencies aligned with specific goals. Use your calendar, emails, one-on-one agendas, and meeting notes to refresh your memory, as well as information captured in GPS during your mid-year check-in.

Highlight Achievements

Identify and describe your key achievements, using specific examples and data (e.g., increased participation by 10%). Quantify your impact whenever possible.

Acknowledge Areas for Development

Don't shy away from areas you'd like to improve. Be specific and proactive, outlining steps you'll take to address them.

Align with SU, Department, and Team

Frame your achievements and development areas in the context of your role and your understanding of bigger-picture goals. Show how your work contributes to the bigger picture.

Seek Feedback

Consider soliciting feedback from colleagues and internal customers/clients/stakeholders to gain different perspectives and strengthen your self-assessment.

Review Job Description (if one exists)

Refer to your job description to ensure your self-assessment addresses all core competencies and skill sets, showcasing how you met them throughout the year.

Proofread and Edit

Ensure your self-assessment is clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors.

Keep it Concise

While providing details, aim for a clear, focused document that doesn't overwhelm your manager.

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Participating in an Effective Review with Your Manager

Come Prepared

Review your self-assessment and manager’s written evaluation, and have examples ready to discuss your achievements and development areas.

Engage in Dialogue

Don't just present your self-assessment, actively listen to your manager's feedback and ask clarifying questions.

Focus on Solutions

When discussing development areas, collaborate with your manager to identify solutions and create a development plan.

Set SMART Goals

Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals for the next review period, to the extent that they start to come up. Keep in mind that you will have a formal meeting during the planning phase of GPS (i.e., Goal Setting & Alignment).

Express Appreciation

Thank your manager for their time and feedback, and express your commitment to ongoing development.

Take Notes

During the discussion, take notes on key points, action items, and next steps.

Follow Up

After the review, use the GPS tool to send a note to your manager summarizing key points and any action items, as appropriate.

Tips for Receiving Feedback

1. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
2. Listen Actively: Pay close attention to the feedback, avoid interrupting, and ask clarifying questions to fully understand the message.
3. Acknowledge and Thank the Giver: Show appreciation for the feedback, even if it's challenging.
4. Ask for Specifics: If unclear, request specific examples or additional details to better understand the feedback.
5. Focus on Improvement: Don't take feedback personally. Instead, focus on how you can use it to learn and improve your performance.
6. Reflect and Analyze: After receiving feedback, take time to reflect on it and consider your next steps or areas you can adjust.
7. Seek Additional Support: If you need further support, don't hesitate to reach out to your manager, HR, or a trusted professional for guidance.
8. Demonstrate Progress: Throughout the year, demonstrate your commitment to improvement by following through on action items and showcasing progress in your development areas.