Michelle addresses strategies for women to effectively manage performance reviews, career progression conversations, salary negotiations, and navigating gender biases in the workplace.

Key Points:

1. Mindset Shift:

  - Performance reviews are business meetings, not tests.

  - Move from anxiety to proactive preparation.

2. Effective Performance Review Preparation:

  - Gather evidence continuously; document accomplishments and contributions regularly.

  - Use the STAR(O) method: Situation, Task, Action, Result, and Outcome for structured evidence.

  - Prevent "accomplishment amnesia" by keeping ongoing records.

3. Setting the Agenda:

  - Take charge by proactively proposing career goals and objectives.

  - Reframe missed targets into learning opportunities; emphasize your growth mindset.

4. Salary Discussions:

  - Frame requests using Business Intelligence (BQ): strategic, financial acumen, and ambition.

  - Use data-backed reasoning, tie your achievements directly to organizational outcomes.

  - Conduct salary benchmarking to understand industry standards and position yourself effectively.

  - Clearly communicate compensation expectations using assertive, business-like language.

  - Timing is crucial; prepare your manager and avoid surprises.

5. Career Progression Conversations:

  - Initiate conversations early; don’t wait to be noticed.

  - Nail your current role to be considered for advancement.

  - Partner with your manager and strategic mentor in career planning.

6. Navigating Personality vs. Performance Feedback:

  - Recognize gender bias; women frequently receive personality-based feedback.

  - Redirect vague feedback by asking for specific examples and connect feedback to measurable outcomes.

  - Counter biased feedback with documented, positive stakeholder evidence.

7. Advocating with Confidence:

  - Confidence is built on competence and courage.

  - Emphasize BQ—link your contributions explicitly to organizational success.

  - Use clear, direct, and assertive language; eliminate diminishing phrases.

  - Practice and prepare for challenging discussions, rehearsing with trusted colleagues or mentors.

Key Takeaways:

- Prepare continuously: Document achievements regularly.

- Advocate proactively: Speak clearly about your career ambitions and compensation.

- Understand the system :Navigate gender dynamics and organizational politics effectively.

Action Item:

Book a proactive conversation with your manager within one month to discuss your performance, career goals, or compensation.

Lead to Soar is a podcast for ambitious women and the leaders who support them. Hosted by Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher, it delivers evidence-based, practical advice on leadership, career progression, and closing the gender gap. Join the Lead to Soar Network at leadtosoar.network or get Michelle’s book The Leadership Compass at michelleredfern.com/book.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.