Happy Holidays,

As the year draws to a close, many of us in the IT field find ourselves amid year-end reviews. This annual ritual, designed for reflection and growth, doesn't always translate into actual improvement.

Why is that?

It's because year-end reviews focus on both hard skills like technical aptitude AND soft skills like communication and problem-solving. These soft skills are more subjective and more complex to measure.

So, how can we help grow our professional skills and set the tone for 2024? We start with the self assessment.

How to Complete Your Self-Assessment

Self-assessment is more than just a checklist of your achievements and areas for improvement; it's a strategic process that, when done correctly, can lead to significant growth. Here's how to approach it:

1. Reflect on Your Goals: Start by revisiting your goals at the beginning of the year. Assess your progress and consider the obstacles you faced.
2. Seek a 360-degree View: Gather input from your peers, subordinates, and managers. This multi-perspective approach provides a more holistic view of your performance.
3. Quantify Your Achievements: Use data and specific examples to measure your successes. Measuring your accomplishments helps create a compelling case for your contributions and set future goals.
4. Identify Learning Opportunities: Recognize areas where you didn't perform as expected. Instead of viewing these as failures, see them as opportunities for learning and growth.

Spread the Word If you find the MoreThanCoders newsletter helpful, consider sharing it with a colleague or friend who might also benefit from these insights. Together, we can change the narrative around what it means to be a professional software engineer. Share With a Friend

Embracing Feedback

Receiving feedback can be challenging, but it's crucial to professional development. Here are some strategies to help you process and act on the feedback you receive:

1. Listen, Listen, Listen: Approach feedback with an open mind. Listen carefully, and resist the urge to defend yourself when you get feedback you disagree with.
2. Clarify and Reflect: Ask questions if you need clarification. Reflect on the feedback away from the emotions of the moment.
3. Create an Action Plan: Identify specific, actionable steps to address the feedback. This might include seeking additional training, mentoring, or adjusting your approach to work.
4. Seek Continuous Feedback: Don't wait for the annual review. Regularly ask for feedback to monitor your progress and adjust your actions accordingly.

Your Voice Matters

I want to hear about your experiences with year-end reviews. What strategies have you found effective? What challenges do you face? Please reply to this newsletter with your feedback, questions, or thoughts on year-end reviews. I personally read and respond to every email.

​

Wishing you a happy holiday season and a great new year,

David Ziemann Founder of MoreThanCoders.com​ ​david@morethancoders.com​