How do I take in and move forward from my yearly performance review?

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've faced with your recent project and performance review. It's a tough situation, but there are steps you can take to move forward and improve your career trajectory:

Self-Reflection and Learning: It's important to acknowledge the challenges you faced during the project, but also recognize that it was your first real project and you were placed in a difficult situation. Take the time to reflect on what you've learned from this experience, both in terms of technical skills and soft skills like project management and communication. Use this knowledge to improve in future assignments.

Seek Feedback and Guidance: Reach out to your managers or mentors to discuss your performance and seek specific feedback on areas where you can improve. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to growth and development.

Set Clear Expectations: In future projects, especially if they are loosely defined, make an effort to set clear expectations with project managers and stakeholders. Ask questions, seek clarity on objectives, and ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding project scope and deliverables.

Leverage Your Strengths: It's encouraging that your managers recognize your intelligence, curiosity, and industry knowledge. While these qualities are valuable, focus on how you can use them to enhance your project delivery. For example, your industry knowledge can be an asset in providing strategic insights.

Consider Specialization: It's positive that a partner from a different department has shown interest in your work. If this individual is providing opportunities for specialization in an industry you're passionate about, it's worth exploring further. Specialization can open up new career paths and help you stand out in your field.

Seek Additional Learning Opportunities: If your current department isn't providing the learning experiences you desire, look for opportunities to expand your knowledge independently. Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or reading industry-specific literature to enhance your skills.

Stay Committed: It's important not to let one challenging project define your entire career. Continue to demonstrate your dedication, adaptability, and commitment to improvement. Over time, consistent performance and a growth mindset can positively influence your career trajectory.

Consider Long-Term Goals: Reflect on your long-term career goals and how your current experiences align with them. If you find that your current department isn't helping you progress toward your goals, it may be worth exploring opportunities in other departments or even at different firms that better align with your aspirations.

Remember that setbacks are a natural part of any career. What matters most is how you learn from them and use them as stepping stones for future success. You are not "screwed," but rather facing an opportunity for growth and development.

Ultimately, it's essential to have open and honest conversations with your managers and mentors about your career aspirations and how you can work together to achieve them. Your proactive approach and commitment to improvement will serve you well in navigating future challenges and achieving your goals.

If you have further questions or need more personalized advice, please feel free to reach out.

Warm regards, Frederic

Hi there,

It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and disappointed after the challenging project and the negative performance review. However, this experience can serve as a valuable learning opportunity. Here are a few suggestions on what you could do:

1. Identify specific areas where you think you could have done better and what you've learned from the experience. Asking for constructive feedback on your performance will not only show your commitment to growth but also provide insights into areas where you need to develop. Based on that, create a plan for improvement (ask yourself: Which skills should you develop? Could you take on smaller roles or tasks in future projects to repeat past mistakes and build up your experience?)
2.  If you have a partner in a different department who is supportive and offers opportunities aligned with your career goals, consider having an open conversation with them about your aspirations and how you can work together to achieve them. Partners often have the influence to guide your career within the firm. Considering that you have a partner on your side, It would be worth giving your current firm another chance. Sometimes, a change in project or team can make a significant difference in your experience and career trajectory.
3. In future projects, try to establish clear expectations and communication with your project manager and team members. If the project scope is not well-defined, take the initiative to seek clarification and discuss the project plan thoroughly.

I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck!

Kind regards

Margot

I'm sorry to hear that you had a challenging experience with your recent project and performance review. It's understandable that you're feeling upset and uncertain about your future at the firm. Here are some steps you can consider taking to navigate this situation and improve your future outcomes:

**1. ** Reflect on the Experience:

• Identify Lessons: Take some time to reflect on the project. Identify what went wrong, what you could have done differently, and what you've learned from the experience.
• Acknowledge Your Achievements: Don't discount your positive feedback and achievements leading up to the project. They reflect your capabilities and strengths.

**2. ** Seek Feedback:

• Request Specific Feedback: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor or the person who conducted the performance review. Ask for specific examples of what you could have done differently and seek guidance on how to improve.
• Feedback from Others: Seek feedback from colleagues who have seen your work on other projects. They might have a different perspective and valuable insights.

**3. ** Develop a Plan:

• Skill Development: Identify the skills you need to improve based on the feedback you received. Consider taking courses, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship to enhance these skills.
• Project Management: Since project management was a challenge, consider taking a project management course or certification to strengthen your skills in this area.

**4. ** Communication and Collaboration:

• Open Communication: If you find yourself in a similar situation in the future, communicate your concerns early on. Express the need for clear instructions and a defined scope of work.
• Collaboration: Foster relationships within your team and across departments. Having a strong support network can help you navigate difficult projects more effectively.

**5. ** Explore Opportunities:

• Internal Opportunities: Explore the opportunity with the partner who has shown interest in your work. If there's a chance to work in a different department or specialize in an industry you're passionate about, it could provide a more conducive learning environment.
• External Opportunities: If you continue to feel unsatisfied or undervalued, consider exploring opportunities outside the firm. Sometimes, a change in environment can lead to significant personal and professional growth.

**6. ** Stay Positive and Persistent:

• Stay Positive: It's crucial to maintain a positive attitude even in challenging situations. Your attitude can impact how others perceive you and your work.
• Be Persistent: Don't let one bad experience define your entire career. Keep learning, improving, and seeking out new opportunities. Persistence often leads to success.

Remember, everyone faces setbacks in their careers. It's how you respond to these challenges and learn from them that can make a significant difference in your professional growth. Stay resilient and believe in your abilities to overcome obstacles.

Hi there,

First, I'm sorry to hear. This is not an easy industry.

Second, get a coach. You're earning an income now right? Shouldn't you take measures to invest that income to ensure you keep it?

Third, read this article: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tips-for-consultans

Fourth, you are not screwed. This is the nature of the job! It's an intense culture with a lot of feedback. They generally do not focus on the good, but rather on what needs to be improved. Don't worry, this is “normal”

Fifth, you say:  My engagement review post project was not good, I made a lot of mistakes due to bad instructions, a lack of execution on my part, which I guess is normal since I was making the deck alone.. as a first project.

^This is fantastic self-reflection.

You're absolutely right that projects/performance go wrong, oftentimes, because of you as well as your boss. Yes, there are bad bosses and they make life impossible. Yes, you also need to own up to what you could have done better. Yes, this is also 100% normal.

Take a deep breath, recharge, talk to fellow consultants (see how everyone is struggling), and consider coaching.

Good luck to you!

Hi there!

Actually, somebody just asked a similar question about how to handle senior leadership: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/working-on-weekends-without-compensation-16869

The same points apply here, so I thought I paste them for you:

Realistically, you have two avenues of action:

1. Fight. Basically, speak with your office head, speak with your staffer, speak with the Partner himself, speak with the EM, etc. Communicate that you're not ok with this in the nicest way possible and offer an alternative arrangement that could satisfy you. Try to recruit others from within the team to make a common front here. 

I don't guarantee this is going to work. You might fix the short term issue, but it's unlikely that the relationship with this Partner will continue in favourable terms. 

2. Adapt. This is rather what I would suggest. Sometimes in life, you have to bite the bullet. In consulting, especially in the beginning, you work with a lot of people that you don't know. You also don't know how to do your due diligence in terms of choosing projects. And even more often, you don't have a choice of projects that want you. So you end up in situations like the one you're in. 

So, here I'd try to figure out what can you actually do that makes you least uncomfortable while ensuring that you'll strill preserve a good relationship with the Partner. Make sure that he'll be able to give good feedback for you in the next evaluation cycle. And then make sure that you never ever ever work with that person again. 

Overall, I believe the second option will lead to least amount of harm for you. 

Sharing with you two guides with tips on how to have a strong start in your consulting career:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Best,
Cristian

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Hi,

Sounds like a rough situation you are in. 

You have a couple of options:

1. Stay at your current firm and in the same department (assuming you will not be managed out)
2. Stay at your current firm but switch department
3. Switch firms

At the end of the day, consulting is very much a people business. One of the biggest things I noticed is that the people that tended to be very successful in consulting were those that had firm leadership who were invested in them. It's hard to give a more detailed POV given I don't know the full details of your firm dynamics and situation, but in your case I would probably try out option #1 first with a fresh mindset (e.g. treat it as a reset); and if it does not work go with option #2

All the best!

Hello,

Since you mention a project manager from another department (not strategy), I assume you are at a Big4 firm or something similar. Such poor management, unfortunately, is not uncommon there. I've actually been in a situation like yours myself.

But on the other hand, a partner in an entirely different department seems to have a liking for me, as any proposal or anything I've done has been exclusively under him in one form or another. Even though technically I am not in his department. And he's giving me the opportunity to specialize in an industry I like so there's that.

As a short term solution, I suggest you take the opportunity. Getting ahead in management consulting is not always about your performance, but the connection you make with your colleagues. If there's a person at the firm who's ready to stick up for you - awesome. Have an honest talk with this partner and see if he can take you under his wing. Also consider switching to his department altogether. If you've experienced unprofessional management at your current department, maybe there's no point of staying there.

As a long term solution, consider preparing and switching to a T1/T2 firm taking into the account all the lessons you've learned.

Good luck!
Nick

Hi there,

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your negative experience with your performance review!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

• First of all, it sounds like you were in a challenging position with little support. I would advise you to seek mentorship within the firm. Having someone with experience to guide and advise you can make a significant difference.
• Moreover, keep in mind that one bad review doesn't define your whole career. Focus on your strengths, which your managers have clearly pointed out. Try to bridge the gap between your knowledge and its execution. Continuous learning and seeking feedback will help you improve.
• Lastly, if you feel you're not getting the desired experience from your department but have opportunities in another, I would highly advise you to consider those opportunities. This could be the change you need to align your skills and interests better.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

I am sorry to hear that a chaotic project had this impact on your performance review. I see two fronts to work on here:

1) How to solve the situation now
Moving on from a bad yearly review can be challenging. It is important that you get (if you haven’t already) very specific and actionable feedback on what you should improve for your next review cycle and laser focus on excel on those dimensions. Discuss those improvement areas every time you start a project with all the leadership (not only manager but also partners). 

Make also sure you get regular feedback on all those points for (a) keep improving and (b) work on your reputation / image for the leadership to stand up on those dimensions on your next review.

2) How to avoid it happens in the future

The key here is communication, communication and communication. Make sure what is expected from you every time and even more frequently when you’re in a challenging project. Do it again with all leadership (more regularly with your manager). This way you make sure leadership will differentiate between a poor performance and a strong performance on a bad project.

I hope this helps!

Alberto