What do you do if your performance review doesn't go as planned in a business strategy role?

1 Stay calm and professional

The first thing you need to do is to control your emotions and reactions. Getting defensive, angry, or upset will only make things worse and damage your reputation. Instead, try to listen carefully, acknowledge the feedback, and thank your manager for their time and honesty. You can ask for clarification, examples, or suggestions, but don't argue or make excuses. Remember that your performance review is not a personal attack, but a chance to learn and grow.

2 Analyze the feedback and identify gaps

After the performance review, take some time to reflect on the feedback and evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest with yourself and try to understand the reasons behind the negative comments or ratings. Did you miss any deadlines, goals, or expectations? Did you communicate effectively with your stakeholders, team, or clients? Did you demonstrate the skills and competencies required for your role? Did you align your work with the organization's vision and strategy? Identify the gaps between your performance and the desired standards, and write them down.

3 Create an action plan and follow up

Once you have identified the areas for improvement, you need to create an action plan to address them. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for yourself, and outline the steps, resources, and support you need to achieve them. You can also seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or coaches, and look for opportunities to learn new skills, take on new projects, or join new networks. Share your action plan with your manager, and ask for their input and approval. Then, follow up regularly with your manager, and update them on your progress and achievements.

4 Negotiate your compensation and career path

If your performance review didn't go as planned, you might feel discouraged or frustrated about your compensation and career prospects. However, this doesn't mean you should give up or settle for less. You can still negotiate your salary or raise, based on your market value, contributions, and potential. You can also discuss your career aspirations, development needs, and opportunities with your manager, and ask for their guidance and support. Be prepared to showcase your achievements, skills, and value proposition, and be flexible and realistic about your expectations.