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Performance Review How-to—Never Say These Four Things

Performance reviews can be stressful, especially if you’re only getting feedback once a year. And when you’re stressed, your words don’t always come so easily—they can even come out wrong! You don’t want to botch this valuable opportunity to showcase your hard work, especially if you are asking for a raise.

Only you know what you should say to highlight your skills and achievements, but let us help with some things you shouldn’t say if you want to make the best impression at your next performance review.

It was a team effort

If there’s ever a time to pat yourself on the back, it’s during your performance review. This session is all about your annual value-add to the company, so don’t deflect your personal accomplishments. Put aside the humble “team effort” best saved for the morning staff meeting, and just accept the compliment.

I’m not working so well with Cara

Everyone knows Cara is unpleasant, but your performance review is not the time to bring up concerns about your coworkers. Remember, this session is about highlighting your great work, not your airing your interpersonal challenges. Keep the focus where it will best benefit you.

That’s not fair

As they say, life isn’t always fair, and neither is work. Fairness itself is subjective and tied to emotions, so before you say something that will make you sound like a petulant toddler, ask yourself why something doesn’t seem fair. It could be you have hurt feelings, and those are valid, too! Just be sure to use facts and examples (not finger-pointing) to discuss what you don’t feel is fair.

That’s not my strong suit

Nobody is good at everything. But since performance reviews focus on past performance and future goals, saying you’re not good at something diminishes your abilities and shows an unwillingness to learn and grow. Maybe you’ve had challenges signing new clients; instead of saying you’re not good at that, tell your boss you’re willing to put in the effort to get better. And if your boss wants you to lead the department all-staff this year, but you’re not confident in your public speaking, be willing to step up and out of your comfort zone. Show you’re up for the challenge. Go for it!

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