What to do Within 24 Hours of Being Reviewed

Very few people enjoy feedback.  Not that all feedback is negative but I think most of us associate feedback with "here's what you did wrong".  

I recently was the beneficiary of a three-year review featuring surveys, on-site interviews and self evaluation.  It would be dishonest to say that I was looking forward to the day of the interviews and I was relieved when it was all over.

That began a period of reflection and honest assessment once the results were in and my process looked like this:

  1. Ask: is the feedback fair and honest?  You might respond to this via your journal or through talking it through with someone in your inside circle.  
  2. Respond: you'll either be asked to respond in writing or simply "sign off" on your eval.  I chose to sign since the assessment was fair.
  3. Commit: once the feedback is in, you have a choice to make.  You can either commit to act on the input from your supervisor or you can buck the system.  Think carefully if you choose the latter as it could have negative consequences for your career.  Committing to work harder (and smarter), rededicating yourself to what's being asked of you, and doing a great job.

We all get reviewed.  The real issue is this- how will you respond to it when it comes?