The holidays are right around the corner, and your to do list at work is (hopefully) shrinking. But one final task looms: the dreaded year-end review. Too often dismissed as a “check the box” exercise, it can feel like a routine wrap up rather than a chance to drive real progress at work or in your career. But it doesn’t have to be that way. While your manager might schedule the meeting and set the agenda, you have the power to take control and drive the conversation the way you want. Show up prepared—ready to highlight your impact and outline your growth this year—and turn the conversation into a meaningful opportunity to move your career forward.
Conduct a Self Audit and Reflect.
Before jumping into review prep, take a step back to evaluate your year at work. What projects energized you? Which ones fell flat for you? Pinpoint what sparked—or drained—your passion. This reflection helps clarify how your interests and priorities may be evolving as you grow into your role. Next, focus on the unique value you brought to the team this year. Where did you make the biggest impact through your work, and how can you build on that in the new year? Come with clear ideas for growth within the company and ways your manager can help support you. Demonstrating this level of reflection positions you as proactive, self-aware and ready for what’s next.
Bring Evidence of Your Impact This Year.
Don’t just tell your manager you had a great year— prove it. Pull together specific examples that showcase your accomplishments: standout presentations, measurable wins, or glowing feedback from clients and teammates. Choose examples that highlight your strengths. This approach does two things: First, it eliminates guesswork for your busy manager, making it easier for them to see your unique contributions. Second, it ensures they understand where you excel— making it more likely you’ll get more projects that align with your strengths and goals in the new year. “Show, don’t tell” is key here.
Set Goals that Drive Your Growth.
Year-end reviews aren’t just about looking back— they also set the stage for what’s next. Don’t wait for your manager to chart your path forward at your company. Come prepared with clear, actionable goals for the year ahead. What did you enjoy doing this year that you want to do more of? Where do you want to stretch yourself? What skills do you want to build within your role? Share your goals and invite feedback. Collaborating with your manager ensures your plans are realistic and aligned with team priorities. Taking ownership of this conversation signals initiative and shows you’re committed to your own growth and delivering results.
Have a Broader Career Discussion.
Leverage the 1:1 time with your boss to talk about where you see yourself in the next one, two, and five years. Come with a clear vision for your growth and recruit your boss as a partner to help you get there. You don’t need to have every detail figured out, but sharing your aspirations for the future shows ambition and gives your boss a chance to guide you. Ask for their input on what’s realistic and how you can achieve those goals within the company’s current resources. This conversation shows you’re serious about your future and ensures your boss is aligned with your plans for success.
If this meeting is the last thing standing between you and the holidays, don’t phone it in. Come prepared to showcase your wins, share your goals, and take the lead in the conversation. By showing up ready, you’ll make your manager’s job easier, highlight your unique value within your team and set yourself up to thrive in the new year.