My Three Favorite Things from Amazon Annual Performance Review Process called “FORTE”

January 1, 2024

Annual performance review time has arrived for all Amazonians, including those employed by Amazon Web Services (AWS). This marks my 3rd year participating in the Amazon Performance Review system known as FORTE. This feedback mechanism allows employees to request input from colleagues of their choice who have worked with them and possess knowledge of their capabilities. These anonymous evaluations are then compiled by the employee's manager and discussed during a one-on-one performance review session.

Three primary sources of information contribute to the review: the employee's self-assessment, collective feedback from peers, and the manager's evaluation. Ideally, these sources should align in identifying an individual's strengths and areas for improvement.

Here are my top three favorite things from this process:

1.??? Super Power for the Win

Rather than requesting a list of strengths and weaknesses, FORTE prompts colleagues to identify the individual's most exceptional ability and provide specific examples to substantiate their claim. This approach aids managers in recognizing each employee's unique talents. Through this process of self-discovery, feedback, and collaboration with one's manager, employees can identify their superpowers, put focus on their passions, establish goals that maximize their potential, and ultimately foster growth and development.

Your superpower serves as a powerful motivator, enabling you to excel in your area of expertise for the collective benefit of the team and company. I love that this process makes this positive point front and center. The experience is both empowering and inspiring.

In addition, this process assists the manager in identifying and highlighting each team member's unique abilities and strengths. As the year begins and goals are set for development and career paths, it's important to focus on areas of passion, excellence, and continuous improvement. Encouraging both the manager and the individuals to concentrate on what they are genuinely good at and passionate about is an amazingly effective way to motivate and inspire, leading to meaningful personal and professional growth

2.??? Reflect on what you have done this year through the eyes of others

This year I have received 25 FORTE feedback requests from colleagues around the world. Seeing this diverse list of individuals prompts a moment of deep reflection on the projects we've collaborated on, the deals we've triumphantly secured, and the various challenges we've jointly navigated. Each request symbolizes a mutual desire to retrospectively analyze our collective efforts and accomplishments over the year. These colleagues aren't just names on a list; they are the ones who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me in the trenches. Reflecting on our shared journey offers a powerful perspective on our achievements, victories, and the hurdles we've overcome together.

3.??? Reflect on meaningful connections you have built and strengthened this year

This one is my favorite. The FORTE platform only allows you to provide feedback to people when they initiate the requests. After they choose you, your feedback will be sent DIRECTLY to their bosses anonymously. This means all the feedback requests are from people who know you, work with you, and most importantly, TRUST you. I am highly aware of the incredible level of trust my colleagues have put in me by sending me the request. They trust me to provide positive, fair, helpful, and constructive feedback to their bosses. While on average, I spent about 15 minutes on each request, you will need to put aside 1-2 full days to work on them when you receive 20-30 requests. It is time-consuming, but I honestly consider it an honor to be asked.

Good people are what motivate me to do good work. Projects pass, jobs change, deals are forgotten. What always remains with me are people, their dedication, their passion, their stories, and their dreams. At the end of the day, people are what is most important to me.

Happy 3rd work anniversary with AWS to me.

Happy new years to all, wish your new year is peaceful, inspiring, and full of joy!

Dianne Eldridge

Worldwide Business Development & GTM Leader| Industrial AI/ML|

#AmazonForte #PerformanceReview #Careerdevelopment