Is your experience with annual performance reviews anxiety-inducing? Stop sweating, and join us for this episode of The Product Porch, where we discuss strategies product managers need to ace their annual performance reviews. From framing your accomplishments to overcoming common review pitfalls, we’ll show you how to turn your review into an opportunity for recognition and growth. You’ll leave with practical tips to effectively communicate your value, align with leadership expectations, and set the stage for success.We even discuss why the annual review process feels broken and share ideas to make them more meaningful and effective. References & LinksNine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader's Guide to the Real World | https://store.hbr.org/product/nine-lies-about-work-a-freethinking-leader-s-guide-to-the-real-world/10214?srsltid=AfmBOopQNCeo0kYerQGhXkfI7-3TR1XIXn6seajzp9hW8H8sn1wvqb5O Show Notes for Episode 14: Ace Your Annual Performance Review[1:15] Our Feelings on Annual ReviewsRyan reveals he’d rather mulch than tackle an Annual Review.[2:54] First Performance Review PTSDRyan shares a traumatic Performance Review experience as a Product Manager and the infamous “Be More Like Me” feedback.[3:52] Why Performance Reviews Don’t WorkTodd lists four flaws: recency bias, diverse value expressions, unreliable ratings, and focus on weaknesses.[6:40] Judging a Quarter, Not a YearWhy most evaluations in Product Management focus on events from the last 6–8 weeks.[7:51] The Surprise-Free ReviewJoe explains why surprises in Performance Reviews spell trouble.[10:47] Ideal EvaluationsWhat’s the best way to evaluate people, and what matters most in a Product Manager’s performance?[11:50] Measuring a Product Manager’s ImpactHow do you fairly assess the breadth and depth of Product Manager responsibilities?[13:23] Sales Team BacklashRyan wonders: Will presenting bad news to sales hurt his Performance Review, even if it’s not his fault?[14:30] Evil Todd Strikes AgainTodd brings humor to the broken Annual Review process.[15:21] Gaming the SystemRyan shares how some Product Managers manipulate their Performance Reviews to hit numbers.[16:10] Recency Bias in Product ManagementHow recency bias can distort evaluations for Product Managers.[17:40] Hero Complex in Product ManagementDo great Product Managers need to play the hero?[18:27] Leading Indicators Over OutcomesWhy it’s crucial to sell leading indicators when Performance Reviews don’t account for long-term results.[20:31] Should we Aim for Well-Rounded or Spikey?Are the best Product Managers balanced, or should they excel in specific areas?[23:12] Risks of Focusing on WeaknessesWhat happens if you only focus on improving low competencies?[24:44] Why We Focus on NegativesExploring the human tendency to zero in on flaws during Annual Reviews.[28:14] Evaluating Product SpikesTodd explains how to measure a Product Manager against their product spikes.[29:00] Values-Based ReviewsTodd critiques values-based reviews as being too subjective.[31:36] Perception vs. RealityWhy perception is reality in the Product Management world and how it impacts Performance Reviews.[34:17] Ditching Annual ReviewsJoe advocates for quarterly reviews over Annual Reviews, drawing parallels to roadmap trends.[35:40] Fixing Annual ReviewsTodd’s actionable recommendation to improve Annual Performance Reviews.[38:00] Why Annual Reviews PersistExamining why companies cling to Annual Review models.[38:41] 90% IneffectivenessRyan shares that 90% of Annual Reviews fail to deliver results.[38:59] Manager Dissatisfaction95% of managers dislike their organizations’ review structures.[39:54] Fixing Annual ReviewsStrategies to overhaul the Performance Review process.[41:30] Measuring What MattersThe importance of clear product and organizational metrics in Product Management.[43:00] Build a Wins DocumentWhy tracking your wins can help with Annual Reviews and how to get promoted.[45:56] Crushing the Fourth QuarterTips to end the year strong as a Product Manager.[47:18] Seek FeedbackProactively gather feedback to excel in Performance Reviews.[47:30] Key Takeaways“We are not reliable raters of other people,” but improvements are possible for Product Managers and their teams. Help keep the Product Porch lights on by giving at Patreon.com/TheProductPorch.
