It is that time of year again at RSG! Time for performance reviews and developing our SMART goals for the coming year (SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound). Even after six great years at RSG, this process still makes me anxious. I think it is the fear of the unknown; that one of these years I am going to sit down in my review and get scolded for a poor performance that I was not even aware of.
The fear goes away though as soon as I fill out my self-review. At RSG we get assigned two peer reviewers who fill out a performance review worksheet. As the reviewee, we fill out the same worksheet as a way to self-reflect. The review itself usually entails an in depth conversation about the past year and things to work on for the coming year. We also prepare annual SMART goals as a way to focus our efforts to better serve clients. Every year, as I fill out the familiar self-review worksheet, I quickly move from anxiety-ridden to appreciation. I appreciate getting the time to look back on what I accomplished, and receive feedback on what can be improved in the coming year.
Not every company does annual performance reviews. I am happy we do them and get the opportunity to reflect, discuss, and accept mentoring in an open, comfortable setting. The reviews make me feel energized and prepared for another interesting and exciting year at RSG.
Written by Jane Carlson, an Associate at RSG