Management Tip of the Day: How to Prepare for a Tough Performance Review

Anticipating a difficult review can be nerve-racking. However, you can minimize the stress by preparing to receive the feedback and setting a positive tone for moving forward. Here are three tips to get ready for that tough conversation:

1. Know what you've done well. List your accomplishments and what skills and capabilities helped you achieve them. Be ready to share these with your boss so she knows what you are proud of.
2. Acknowledge areas of weakness. We've all got them and you're better off recognizing yours. Don't be defensive or fight the obvious, but acknowledge your weaknesses and identify ways to improve them.
3. Demonstrate your willingness to improve. Don't just sit back and listen. Show your boss what you are doing to make things better going forward.