Mid-Year Review: Celebrate, Evaluate, and Navigate Like An Executive

Happy July! How are you doing on your visibility journey we started months ago?

Now is the perfect time to pause and reflect on the year's first half with a mid-year review.

Before we jump into it, I want to remind you of this--especially if you are wired to achieve constantly.

You are a STANDOUT no matter the outcomes. What does that mean? In the Oxford Languages dictionary, the word standout means:

YOU possess distinct value. You were born with it. Your unique lived experiences make you even more of a standout.

Now, let's jump in.

Your mid-year review is about celebrating you and your progress, tracking your growth, eyeing opportunities for the future--and giving visibility to all of it.

WHY CONDUCT A MID-YEAR REVIEW

I love to travel. So, think of your career as a journey.

The mid-year review is a rest stop. It's a moment to check your progress, refuel, and ensure you're on the right path to reach your destination.

Yours is an executive-level assessment to prepare you for meaningful career conversations and connections.

Each conversation is a step closer to the career you envision and positions you for executive roles and visibility inside and outside your organization.

Are you ready?

CELEBRATE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Reflect on what you've achieved so far this year. Often, we focus on what still needs to be done. You're probably nodding your head in agreement.

I also have to remind myself that it's equally important to celebrate the wins--big and small.

Look through your calendar or emails to remind yourself of your accomplishments. Hopefully, you keep a brag file of your achievements, feedback, and impactful contributions.

What were your top achievements during the first half of the year?

How have you made an impact on your team and organization?

What feedback did you receive about your impact and growth?

Growth?contributes to your overall progress and?success. It is the hallmark of an executive leader and?deserves the biggest celebration.

When we started, you accepted the challenge to get more visible. Celebrate your growth because you:

• Vocalized your impact, aspirations, needs, boundaries, ideas in progress,?etc.

• Made yourself more present online and physically present internally and externally

• Were intentional about when, where, and how you showcased your value in high impact ways and places

Know that I'm celebrating you.????

I know you're ready to explore what worked well and what didn't.

EVALUATE WHAT WORKED WELL AND WHAT DIDN'T

Evaluating your efforts and execution helps you understand what worked well and what needs adjustment.?

This reflection is crucial for a strong second half of the year (H2).

• Identify the strategies and actions that yielded positive results. How can those serve you in H2?

• Pinpoint areas where things didn’t go as planned. What did you learn from them?

Based on your analysis:

• Continue the practices that proved effective and increased your visibility.
• Make necessary tweaks to improve your approach and enhance visibility.
• Introduce new strategies or actions that can enhance your performance and visibility.
• Eliminate activities that aren’t contributing to your goals and visibility.

What strategy worked well for you in H1??What is one adjustment you will make in H2?

Excellent. You're on your way to an even more promising future.

LOOK FORWARD

I ask every client to daydream.?

• Where do you want to be in your career?a year from now?
• What role are you in??
• What is your salary?
• How do you want to feel?
• How do you envision life outside of work?

I am inspired by what they share and achieve.

Be crystal clear on the vision, including the why.

The vision guides your actions and decisions for the remainder of the year. Think about your career aspirations and personal goals.

• How will you leverage your growth,?knowledge, and relationships to impact your organization and increase your visibility?
• What are your career goals for the rest of the year??
• How can you position yourself for executive roles?
• What personal goals will make you a better leader and human being?

Your thoughtful review will be a catalyst for opportunity. What is that quote?

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.??- Roman Philosopher Seneca

WHY CONDUCT A MID-YEAR REVIEW

Now that you have a clear picture of your accomplishments and areas for improvement, plan how to create and seize desired opportunities.

• Reconnect with your professional network and seek out new connections.?
• Identify any additional skills, feedback, or knowledge you need to reach your goals.?
• Increase your visibility within your organization and industry.?
• Volunteer for high-visibility projects, speak at conferences, or write articles to showcase your talent and expertise.

ACTION STEPS

A mid-year review pays off immediately because it:

• Equips you with meaningful information for proactive and reactive career discussions with your manager, supporters, influencers, and decision-makers.
• Helps your manager and influencers present a strong case for your advancement on your behalf.

Opportunities are always brewing.?Conversations about talent are always happening.

CHALLENGE

• When will you complete your mid-year review?
• Who will you schedule career conversations with, and when?
• What advice or support will you ask for?

This reflection and adjustment will ensure you're on track to meet your year-end goals and enhance your visibility.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The mid-year review is a powerful tool for staying the course for your future.?

By taking the time to celebrate your achievements, analyze your progress, and confirm your goals, you're positioning yourself for continued success and growth.?

Here's to increasing your visibility,?strengthening your case for promotion, and making strategic moves to advance your career.

By the way, what was one key takeaway for you??

About the Author

Hi, I’m Valissa Pierrelouis, Leadership + Personal Brand Coach, helping women leaders aspiring to Director and Executive levels, like you, become more visible by elevating and showcasing your brand as an invaluable leader. Together, we explore the leader you are, the strengths you possess, and the leader you are destined to be. ?Using my signature framework, we find where to amplify your voice, value, and visibility so you grow your career impact, influence, and income—without overworking.

Let’s connect: LinkedIn | Website | Free Coaching Discovery Call With Valissa