Mastering The Annual Meeting – Tips & Tricks

Who does not know it? Often, the annual appraisal of your everyday work is imminent at the beginning or the end of the year. Many employees find the appointment a chore, but regular feedback meetings offer opportunities you should take advantage of!

We will show you how to turn the unpopular mandatory meeting into a successful annual conference to help you achieve your goals.

The Right Preparation For A Successful Annual Appraisal Is The Be-All And End-All

Nervousness and insecurity, or even fear, are often directly related to the thought of an annual review. This is usually due to insufficient preparation. We have a few tips for you as an assistant, with the help of which you will not make this mistake, and you will be able to present yourself confidently and confidently in discussions with your manager in the future. But what if you’ve never had an annual review?

What does a typical annual meeting look like in your company?

If you are new to a company, first find out about the general nature, purpose, and structure of an annual review at your company. Helpful files for structuring the conversation are often found on the intranet. Also, exchange ideas with colleagues working in your company for several years. In this way, you can get an idea of ​​the conversation in advance and know, for example, what questions your boss might ask.

This Is How a Typical Annual Meeting Might Go

Feedback And Review of The Past Year

In the first phase of an annual meeting, the past year is looked back on. For example, past projects, events, and goals are discussed. In addition, possible improvements and criticism from your boss and your side can be addressed here.

Setting New Goals For The Year Ahead

This phase is about agreeing on new goals together with your manager. Because of this, it is essential to include the company’s purposes in your goal formulation. Get actively involved and state your position openly and honestly if, for example, you need more time for a target set by your boss or for further information. As a rule, these target agreements are then recorded in writing and signed by both parties so that the next annual meeting can be built on.

Discuss Personal Development Opportunities

In the last phase of the annual appraisal, you can express your wishes concerning your professional career. The main focus here is on further training opportunities and targeted support from your employer. You can also argue in the interests of the company:

You are qualified for more demanding tasks!

You are ready to perform!

You are more motivated!

You are more productive!

Which Topics Can You Address As An Assistant?

So that you are well prepared, you should deal intensively with possible questions in advance. We have put together some example questions for you at a glance, which will help you to have a successful annual meeting.

• Which projects or tasks did you do well in the past year? And which is less good?
• What was the reason that the related project could have been more successful?
• What can you improve in the future?
• What should your boss or your company change in the future?
• Are you interested in further training measures? If so, which ones?
• What are your goals as an assistant in the company?

When Should You Start Preparation For A Successful Annual Review?

So that you can achieve success, you should, under no circumstances, start with the preparations just before the appointment. Prepare yourself for the annual appraisal in the long term by ideally collecting success stories, statistics, data, and facts throughout the year. Short bullet points on your computer or in a notebook are sufficient. Also, use your notes from the previous year, and the goals agreed there as a basis for your preparations. That way, you can ensure you get all the essential points in the upcoming conversation.

How Do You Deal With Criticism From Your Manager?

Our most important advice to you: stay objective! If your manager criticizes you in the annual appraisal, it is usually not dramatic because everyone makes mistakes – it is more important how you deal with them. First of all, listen carefully, and if necessary, ask him for a practical example if you cannot understand the criticism. Also, remember that criticism isn’t about something personal. It’s about working on a task or project. Remember, Equal rights for both sides – this discussion also offers opportunities for the boss. Don’t blame him if he sees this. This is where your sovereignty shows. Thank him for his openness because constructive criticism is an excellent opportunity for personal development. In this way, social skills are trained on both sides. Also, admit mistakes and, if necessary, make suggestions for improvement. This is a way of showing commitment and demonstrating how vital the job is to you.

What To Do If You Have Problems With The Boss?

Criticizing your boss is known to be a difficult situation. Many employees find it difficult or do not even dare to criticize their superiors. The annual appraisal is an excellent opportunity to let your boss know that there was something you didn’t like about working together. Stay confident, and first, tell your manager what you appreciate about working together. In the next move, describe a specific case in which the problem occurred. You can then suggest a solution to the situation through a wish or request.

And finally?

Make appointments when you want to complete which tasks. This shows your boss that you will work until you reach your goals. Stick to the agreed points. Achieving your goals is excellent documentation of your performance. Learn from your male colleagues: For them, target agreements have long been part of performance-related remuneration!