Putting Your Performance Review Into Action (Part 2)
You’ve gathered the data, identified your wins, and finalized your performance review. The hard internal work is done. Now, it’s time to pivot outward.
In Part 2 of this series, we talk about visibility. Your performance review shouldn't just live in a file on your manager's desktop; it should be the foundation of your professional story for the year. We discuss how to translate your internal review into a public narrative, the specific updates you need to make to your LinkedIn profile right now, and how to authentically share your "year in review" with your network so you are always ready for the next opportunity.
Actionable Tips & Takeaways
Build Your Professional Story
From bullet points to narrative: You just spent hours crafting bullet points for your review. Now, synthesize that data into a cohesive story. What was the "headline" of your year? Did you pivot to strategy? Did you master a new technical skill? Practice telling your story out loud so that it naturally becomes a part of how you’ve become who you are today.
Refine the pitch: Use this fresh data to update your "elevator pitch." When someone asks, "How’s work going?", you shouldn't just say "Busy." You should be ready to share a specific win or focus area that you just uncovered in your review process.
Make It Public: The LinkedIn Refresh
Update your "About" and experience: Don't wait until you are looking for a job to update your LinkedIn. Use the language from your performance review to refresh your current role description and "About" section while the details are fresh.
The power of recommendations: LinkedIn recommendations are hugely underrated. Now is the perfect time, while you are employed and relationships are strong, to ask colleagues for a recommendation.
Build goodwill: A great way to build goodwill is to give LinkedIn recommendations. Identify colleagues you collaborated with this year and write them a glowing review based on the wins you shared. You can even take directly from peer reviews you completed if that is part of your company’s end of year review process.
Activate Your Network Directly
Share your story: Don't just rely on social media. Reach out to mentors, former colleagues, or peers in your industry to catch up. Use your new narrative to share what you’ve been working on and ask them what they are seeing in the market.
Test your narrative: Telling your career story to your network is the best way to "test drive" it before you ever need it for an interview. Their feedback can help you refine how you talk about your skills and impact.
Stay in touch authentically: You don't need a specific "ask" to reach out. Sharing a quick update on your year and asking about theirs is a great way to nurture connections so they are there when you need them.Tips for Managers
Tips For Managers
Champion Your Team’s Visibility
Encourage the "External Audit": Remind your team that updating their LinkedIn or resume isn't a sign of disloyalty; it’s a sign of professional health. Encourage them to celebrate their wins publicly.
Facilitate connections: If a team member had a standout year in a specific area, introduce them to other leaders or mentors in your network who would appreciate their work.
Validate their story: Help your team practice their narrative. If they are downplaying their role in a major success, coach them on how to own that win in their external communications.
Your performance review is more than a report card; it is the raw material for your professional brand. By taking the time to curate your story and share it - both online and in person - you ensure that your reputation grows as fast as your skills.
Did you miss Part 1? Go back and listen to learn how to prepare for the review conversation itself!
