Introduction

If you’re a Gen-X woman heading into your year-end review, you’re probably feeling a mix of hope and anxiety. Maybe you’re hoping your boss has noticed the extra hours, the problem-solving, or the initiatives you took on. But let’s be honest: year-end reviews can feel a lot like those dreaded parent-teacher conferences—one where you show up, receive a report card, and leave without much say in the outcome.

But here’s the thing: your review isn’t just about checking boxes and waiting for feedback. It’s a strategic opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments, advocate for your growth, and shape the year ahead.

Many of us, as Gen-X women, have absorbed messages throughout our careers: “Don’t ask for help,” “Keep your head down and work hard,” or “Blend in, don’t make waves.” These myths might have served us in the past, but today they’re barriers. If you’re feeling overlooked or stagnant in your role, it’s time to replace these messages with a new mindset: advocacy, visibility, and strategic career positioning.

What’s Holding Us Back? The Gen-X Mindset

Our generation was told that success was a straightforward formula: work hard, keep quiet, and eventually, someone will notice. But in today’s workplace, hard work alone doesn’t always cut it. We can’t leave it to others to track our achievements or make assumptions about our goals.

As Gen-X women, we’re facing unique challenges—sometimes age bias or assumptions that we’re “just here to retire soon,” and sometimes the frustration of reporting to younger managers who don’t know how to engage us. But these challenges don’t have to hold us back. Now is the perfect time to reframe your year-end review: it’s not just a report on past performance; it’s a powerful tool to guide your career.

From Passive to Proactive: Your Review is a Leadership Opportunity

Your year-end review isn’t a “report card”—it’s your opportunity to demonstrate leadership. Whether you’re currently a leader or aspiring to be one, steering this conversation with intention shows you’re not just a passive participant.

Imagine showing up with a prepared agenda: your achievements, measurable impact, areas of growth, and goals for next year. This approach demonstrates your leadership skills—you’re clear, prepared, and organized. When you bring specific goals and development needs, you’re showing that you’re serious about your career path, and that’s what true leaders do.

Why Taking Charge is Critical (Especially for Gen-X Women)

1. We Have to Make Ourselves Visible

   • In today’s rapidly changing workplace, being passive won’t get you noticed. Advocating for ourselves means moving beyond the “keep your head down” mindset and actively sharing our achievements and goals.

2. Now is the Perfect Time for Self-Advocacy

   • Waiting for change isn’t a strategy. Proactively using your year-end review to highlight your goals, share your successes, and express your needs sets a clear course for the year ahead.

3. Showcase Your Leadership Potential

   • Even if you’re not in a leadership role yet, a well-handled review can show you’re ready for more responsibility. Leaders communicate vision and value. By walking in prepared to discuss your impact and outline future goals, you’re demonstrating exactly those skills.

Gen-X Myths to Leave Behind

Here are a few common beliefs that could be holding you back—and how reframing them can help:

• “Don’t Ask for Help”
  Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of insight. If you need resources, training, or mentorship, bring it up! Leaders respect those who know what they need to succeed.

• “Just Work Hard and Keep Your Head Down”
  Hard work is essential, but visibility is key. Bringing your successes to the forefront isn’t bragging; it’s a confident, strategic move to ensure your efforts don’t go unnoticed.

• “Don’t Make Waves”
  Advocating for yourself isn’t “making waves.” It’s aligning your leader’s understanding with your goals and what you bring to the table, fostering a positive relationship that can propel your career forward.

Steps to Prepare for a Powerful Year-End Review

1. Own Your Success Stories

   • List key achievements and measurable impacts. Include specific examples that show your growth and contributions. Your story matters, so make sure it’s heard.

2. Map Out Goals for Next Year

   • Leaders have a plan, and so should you. What projects do you want to lead? What skills would you like to develop? Specific goals position you as a forward-thinker, ready for growth.

3. Make It a Two-Way Conversation

   • This isn’t just about receiving feedback; it’s a strategic meeting to discuss how you’ll contribute more next year. Start with your achievements, highlight growth areas, and discuss support needs. Invite feedback to keep the conversation balanced.

Preparing Like a Pro: Do’s and Don’ts for Your Year-End Review

Do’s:

• Present specific examples of your achievements with metrics.
• Outline goals for next year, including training or resources needed.
• Frame growth areas as proactive steps you’re taking.
• Take notes and follow up with an email summary of key points.

Don’ts:

• Don’t assume your leader remembers every accomplishment.
• Don’t minimize your achievements or growth areas.
• Don’t skip over development needs; this is your chance to ask for support.
• Don’t rely solely on memory—bring a clear outline.

Your Review is a Reflection of Your Leadership Skills

Whether you’re a leader or aspiring to become one, your review is the ideal setting to show off the qualities that set you apart. Leaders are proactive, solution-oriented, and skilled communicators. By taking charge, you’re not just positioning yourself for advancement; you’re setting a standard for how leaders engage, advocate, and prepare.

Taking the Driver’s Seat in Your Career

This year, let’s put the “don’t make waves” mindset to rest. Instead, let’s make your year-end review work for you. If you’re done waiting for someone else to notice your contributions, it’s time to advocate for yourself, highlight your leadership potential, and set clear goals for the future.

Call to Action

If you’re ready to dive deeper into career growth strategies, book a call with me today, and let’s plan how you can make 2024 your most successful year yet.  Access my calendar HERE
Listen to my full podcast episode, “Stop Treating Your Review Like a Parent-Teacher Conference,” HERE, for more actionable tips on owning your year-end review.