50 Essential Questions to Ask Manager During Performance Review

Guest Contributor -

Performance reviews are an integral part of any professional's career journey. They offer an opportunity for employees to receive feedback on their work and progress, as well as to discuss their career goals with their manager.

However, performance reviews can often be daunting, especially if you're unsure about what questions to ask your manager. In this blog, we've compiled a list of 50 questions that you can ask your manager during your next performance review.

These questions cover a range of topics, from career development to feedback on your performance, and will help you get the most out of your performance review. So, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, read on to discover the questions you should be asking your manager during your next performance review.

Most Important questions to ask manager during performance review

Here are 5 must ask questions from your manager during performance review.

1. What do you expect from me in this role?

Asking your manager what they expect from you in your role during a performance review can be a valuable way to gain clarity, set goals, improve communication, and increase job satisfaction. It shows that you are committed to doing your best and can help you be more effective in your role.

2. What do you think I do best?

Asking your manager during a performance review what they think you do best can be a valuable way to gain insight into your strengths and skills and to identify areas where you excel.

3. What do you think are my weaknesses?

Asking your manager about your weaknesses during a performance review can be a valuable way to gain feedback, identify areas for improvement, increase self-awareness, and develop an action plan for achieving your goals. It can also help build trust with your manager and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.

4. How can I improve in those areas?

Asking your manager how you can improve in areas where you may be struggling during a performance review can be a valuable way to gain specific feedback and identify actionable steps for improvement. It can also help you set goals and demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth.

5. What would you like to see me accomplish in the next year?

Asking your manager what they would like to see you accomplish in the next year during a performance review can be a valuable way to gain clarity on expectations, set goals and objectives, demonstrate commitment to your role, and align your work with the objectives of the organization.

🔖
Suggested Read: 7 Practical Performance Appraisal Methods for the Modern Workforce

More questions to ask manager during performance review

6. How do you think I have performed against those goals?

7. What are the biggest challenges I face in this role?

8. How do you think I can best solve those challenges?

9. How can I better demonstrate my value to the team?

10. What is the most important skill I need to develop to be successful in this role?

11. What do you think are my strongest qualities?

12. How can I better leverage those qualities?

13. How can I become more productive?

14. What feedback do you have for me on my performance?

15. What feedback do you have for me on my communication style?

16. What feedback do you have for me on my ability to work with others?

17. How do you think I could better manage my time?

18. What do you think are the biggest obstacles to my success?

19. What do you think are the most important skills I need to develop?

20. How do you think I can become a better leader?

21. What do you think I should focus on to become more successful in this role?

22. What do you think I should do differently to achieve better results?

23. How do you think I could better manage stress?

24. How do you think I can improve my problem-solving skills?

25. What do you think are the biggest opportunities for me to grow in this role?

26. What do you think are the biggest risks for me in this role?

27. How do you think I can best manage those risks?

28. What do you think I need to do to stay ahead of the competition?

29. How do you think I can best use my existing skills to reach my goals?

30. How do you think I can improve my skill set?

31. What do you think is the most important thing I should focus on to be successful in this role? 32. How do you think I can motivate myself to get the best results?

33. How do you think I can be more proactive in my work?

34. How do you think I can be more creative in my approach to work?

35. What do you think I should do to become a better team player?

36. How do you think I can develop better relationships with my colleagues?

37. How do you think I can better collaborate with others?

38. How do you think I can better contribute to the team’s success?

39. How do you think I can best manage my workload?

40. How do you think I can better manage my stress levels?

41. How do you think I can better manage my time?

42. How do you think I can better handle complex tasks?

43. How do you think I can better prioritize my tasks?

44. How do you think I can better motivate myself?

45. How do you think I can better handle difficult conversations?

46. How do you think I can better manage feedback?

47. How do you think I can better manage change?

48. How do you think I can better set goals?

49. How do you think I can better use feedback to improve my performance?

50. How do you think I can best prepare for upcoming challenges?

Tips for preparation before a performance review with manager

Preparing for a performance review with your manager can help you feel more confident and make the most of the opportunity to discuss your progress and goals. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:

1. Review your job description and goals

Take some time to review your job description and any goals or objectives that were set for you. Make notes on areas where you have excelled, areas where you may need to improve, and any questions or concerns you have.

2. Gather feedback

Collect any feedback or performance metrics that you may have received throughout the year, such as feedback from colleagues or customers, performance metrics, or project evaluations. Use this feedback to help you identify areas where you have excelled and areas where you may need to improve.

3. Reflect on your accomplishments

Think about your accomplishments over the past year and how they align with the goals and objectives of your role and the organization. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your successes and how they have contributed to the success of the team and the organization.

4. Identify areas for improvement

Consider areas where you may need to improve, based on your job description, goals, and feedback. Think about specific actions you can take to address these areas and be prepared to discuss them with your manager.

5. Set goals for the future

Based on your job description, goals, feedback, and accomplishments, set specific goals and objectives for the future. Consider how you can continue to grow and develop in your role and contribute to the success of the team and the organization.

6. Practice active listening

During the review, listen carefully to your manager's feedback and ask questions if you need clarification. Be open to constructive criticism and be prepared to discuss specific actions you can take to improve your performance.

Conclusion

A performance review can be a valuable opportunity to discuss your progress, achievements, and areas for improvement with your manager. Asking thoughtful and strategic questions can help you gain valuable feedback, set goals for the future, and demonstrate your commitment to learning and growth.

We've compiled a list of 50 questions that you can consider asking your manager during your performance review, ranging from questions about your performance and goals to questions about your manager's expectations and feedback. By asking these questions, you can gain valuable insights into your performance and work towards improving and achieving your goals. Remember to approach the review with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow, and use the feedback you receive to guide your efforts and improve your performance.

Thank You Message for Birthday Wishes
Farewell Message for Colleague
Birthday Wishes for Colleague
Thanks Message to Boss for Appreciation
Feedback to Managers
Thank You Message for Work Anniversary Wishes
Resignation Letter for Personal Reasons
Creative Award Titles for Employees
Appreciation Messages for Colleagues