Mid-year reviews are your chance to reflect on your accomplishments, recalibrate your goals, and set a course for future success. Unfortunately, these reviews can sometimes feel like a dreaded formality. Instead, approach your mid-year review as a valuable opportunity to showcase your progress, receive constructive feedback, and align your efforts with the organisation’s goals. By following the principles of DOORS and a structured process, you can maximise the impact of your review and drive your own growth.

Principle of DOORS:
D – Development Focus – Use the review to focus not just on what you have accomplished, but on where you want to go.
O – Ownership of Goals – Take charge of your performance by setting clear, actionable goals.
O – Outperformance Intent – Show how you have not only met but exceeded your goals, and discuss ways you can continue to deliver exceptional results.
R – Reflective Conversation – Engage in open dialogue with your manager. Be honest about your successes and challenges, and be receptive to feedback that can help you grow.
S – Simplicity of Process – Focus on the key areas that matter most and avoid overcomplicating the discussion with unnecessary details.

Process to Follow – Plan, Prepare, Participate, Progress:
To ensure an effective mid-year review, follow a structured process that emphasises thoughtful preparation, active participation, and ongoing progress:

Plan
• Take ownership and ask your manager when the process starts.
• Revisit your goals that were agreed upon for the year.
• List your accomplishments, roadblocks and further support required.

Prepare
• Consolidate data to support your performance.
• Objectively identify situations where you out-performed or fell short.
• Seek inputs from key stakeholders, internal as well as external.
• Express interest and seek feedback. Start with your self-assessment.

Participate
• Share accomplishments as well as causes and solutions to issues.
• Ask for input on your goals and discuss further resources required
• Summarise success, issues, solutions and commitments.

Progress
• Reflect on what else you can do to enhance your performance.
• Keep track of what you need to do for future resources or support.
• Take initiative to schedule follow up calls or discussions.

Your mid-year review is more than just a performance check—it’s a chance to shape your career trajectory and enhance your professional development. By approaching the review with a growth mindset and a clear plan, you can turn it into a meaningful conversation that drives your success.