What to Discuss in an Appraisal Meeting with Your Manager

An appraisal meeting is a pivotal opportunity to discuss your performance, goals, and career development with your manager. To make the most of this meeting, it's crucial to come prepared and have a clear agenda. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to discuss, structured in a reverse order to keep you engaged and focused on the most impactful topics first.

Start with Your Achievements
Begin the discussion by highlighting your achievements since the last appraisal. This is your moment to shine and showcase your contributions to the team and company. Be specific and provide evidence of your successes. Use metrics, data, and examples to illustrate how your work has added value. This could include exceeding sales targets, completing major projects ahead of schedule, or improving processes.

Discuss Areas for Improvement
Transition to areas where you believe there’s room for growth. Be honest and self-reflective about any challenges you've faced and how you've addressed them. This section should demonstrate your ability to recognize your weaknesses and your proactive approach to overcoming them. Highlight any feedback you’ve received and how you’ve acted on it. This shows maturity and a commitment to personal development.

Review Goals and Objectives
Next, review the goals and objectives set in the previous appraisal. Assess whether you met these goals, exceeded them, or fell short. Discuss any obstacles that prevented you from achieving these goals and propose strategies for overcoming similar challenges in the future. This will help both you and your manager understand your progress and align on future objectives.

Set New Goals
Outline your aspirations and set new goals for the upcoming period. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Discuss how these goals align with the company's objectives and how they will contribute to your career progression. Setting clear, actionable goals will help you stay focused and motivated.

Discuss Career Development
Take the opportunity to talk about your career development. Discuss any training or development opportunities that could enhance your skills and contribute to your career advancement. This might include requesting support for further education, attending industry conferences, or taking on new responsibilities. This section of the discussion demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Seek Feedback
Ask for feedback on your performance and areas for improvement. This shows that you value your manager’s perspective and are open to constructive criticism. Prepare specific questions to guide this part of the conversation, such as how you can improve your performance or what skills you need to develop further. This will help you gain valuable insights into how you can enhance your performance and career prospects.

Discuss Compensation and Rewards
If appropriate, discuss your compensation and any rewards or recognition you might be due. This can include salary reviews, bonuses, promotions, or other forms of recognition. Be prepared to justify any requests with evidence of your achievements and contributions. This part of the discussion should be approached professionally and should be based on your performance and market standards.

Prepare for Potential Challenges
Be ready to address any potential challenges or concerns your manager might raise. This could include discussions about team dynamics, project challenges, or any issues affecting your performance. Approach these discussions with a problem-solving mindset and be prepared to offer solutions or strategies for improvement.

Plan for Future Projects
Discuss upcoming projects and how you can contribute to their success. This will help you align with your manager’s expectations and understand how your role will evolve. Express your interest in taking on new challenges and contributing to important initiatives within the company.

Review Company Goals and Alignment
Finally, ensure that your goals and objectives are aligned with the company’s overall goals and vision. Understanding how your role contributes to the company’s success will help you stay motivated and focused. Discuss how you can support the company’s strategic objectives and contribute to its growth.