Wrapping Up: Navigating The Year-End Process

As another year soon draws close, we're presented with an all too familiar performance review season. Does the year-end season make you nervous? It may produce some angst as you capture everything you've done over the last year. You may be wondering why you must complete this process annually - does it truly make a difference??

I certainly believe it does.?

The year-end process is a crucial ritual that offers leaders valuable insights into their team member's fiscal year and provides you, as a team member, the opportunity to think holistically about your year. There are many methodologies organizations can implement to help team members review their annual successes. My organization introduced the "Well-Better-Next" methodology last fiscal year. While it initially sprouted a few extra gray hairs at my hairline, I soon fell in love with the approach. It is such a powerful tool to aid you in reflecting on your growth and progress.?

You may think, "That sounds great, but how should I approach this process?"

I'm glad you asked!

Here's the advice I've given team members and leaders I've supported over the years:

• This isn't the time to be bashful. Year-end is the one opportunity where it is ALL about you. Use this exercise to review your fiscal year thoroughly.?
• Prepare your mind. Take the time to sit and think through your accomplishments, the obstacles you overcame, and how you've grown. Trust me - I know it can be challenging to remember everything. I usually go back and review my calendar - I put everything on my calendar. Everything! And it's color-coded - it comes in handy. In my previous role, I kept a monthly spreadsheet of everything I accomplished, projects worked, and investigations held. It was a handy tool to help ground me as I began reviewing myself. Bottom line - find what works for you.?
• Give yourself time! Do not wait until the last minute to start attempting to complete your review. Earlier this week, I was joking with my manager that I need at least 5-7 business days to write and agonize over my review correctly. If you relate to that statement, you must make sure you give yourself time to write, reflect & edit.?
• Sleep on it. After you've written your review, please give it a day or two before you submit it. Save, but do not submit. Go back and review it a day or so later, and then submit it.?

So, what's the benefit of the year-end process??

As an HRBP, I understand its time-consuming nature - but it is necessary. The year-end process allows us to evaluate our performance as individuals and an organization. It creates space for learning and growth, goal setting for the upcoming year, and a way to insert accountability.?

Performance Evaluations: Evaluations create space for us to assess successes and opportunities. It lets individuals and businesses get clear on what worked well and what needs improvement. This exercise is crucial for maintaining momentum or implementing corrective action to correct course.?

Learning & Growth: Year-end evaluations provide valuable learning opportunities. When organizations create space for team members and leaders to analyze their year, they can identify patterns, refine strategies, and adapt to changes.?

Goal Setting: With insights from the year-end process, setting well-defined, achievable goals becomes more manageable. When done well, this practice fosters a sense of direction and purpose for the future.?

Accountability: Reflecting on achievements and missed targets fosters a sense of internal responsibility. Businesses and individuals can hold themselves accountable for their actions and outcomes.?

Tell me more about "Well-Better-Next."

The Well-Better-Next methodology is a forward-thinking approach that complements the year-end process. It encourages a positive outlook while leveraging lessons learned from the past. Minus the few extra gray hairs gained when I encountered this methodology last fiscal year, it helped me examine my year and gave me a different perspective on the upcoming fiscal year.?

While it may be straightforward for some, defining what each phrase means when you approach your review is an excellent exercise. Here we go:

Well = Acknowledge Achievements and Successes:

Celebrate accomplishments, milestones, and positive outcomes from the past year. When you take the time to recognize your successes, you increase your motivation to continue striving for excellence.

Better = Identify Areas for Improvement:

Honest self-assessment is essential for growth. Identify areas where you need improvement, whether refining processes, enhancing certain skill sets, or fostering better collaboration.?

Next = Plan for the Future:

Utilize insights gained from reviewing your previous year to set realistic and ambitious goals for the coming years. You can take it further and create actionable plans to achieve them.?

The importance of the year-end process cannot be overstated. By reviewing your past year's performance and combining it with the "Well—Better-Next" methodology, you can harness the power of reflection, learning, and growth.?

If you take nothing else from this - remember to embrace this opportunity to reflect, learn and set the stage for a brighter and better future as you continue to carve out your career's goals. Now is the time when you should toot your horn! Take stock of all you have accomplished and consider where you'd like to go in the next stage of your career.

Until next time - be well, be thoughtful, & be kind.

Tiffany?