Regardless of what side of the table or desk you are on performance reviews can be nerve-wracking.  There are many articles about how to conduct a performance review.  This is not one of them.  Rather, this is about what questions to ask your manager in your own performance review.

Should you just respond to the questions being asked?  Should you spend ages preparing your succinct, to the point, and impressive responses?  No!  (well, yes you should, but you should also think about what you should ask your manager in the review).

Use the power of language in your performance reviews.  For example, asking “what are your most important goals for the coming year?” lets your manager know you are interested in the overall team performance and how you can help. 

You’ll be seen as a helpful resource, someone who can help solve issues – not add to them.

Or asking “Is there anything I could do to make your job easier?” is always going to be well received.

Asking “How do you think local government (or our organisation) is going to change in the future? What challenges do we face?” will show that you are interested in the big picture, and will help you, and your manager, identify opportunities and frame your responsibilities and activities in the future.

Read more for a summary of the best questions to ask during performance reviews – it’s great preparation for your next review.