Summary
Stay on top of priorities and enhance your leadership abilities with this friendly guide to the quarterly review process.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Last month, as we came towards the end of the second quarter of the year, I carried out my second quarterly review for 2023. I can reflect on my progress from the past year and set goals for the future. This is an opportunity to think deeply about my achievements and plan for the upcoming year.
A Regular, In-Depth, Strategic Reflection
I currently do not use a paper planner. However, I do use the Quarterly Review questions in the Faith & Focus Planner as my review template.
My Quarterly Review Process
First of all, I try to get away from the office in order to go through my quarter review process. This helps me get away from any potential interruptions and the hustle and bustle of my office environment.
I also switch off my mobile phone. In the past I have used quiet places like a cathedral or church, a cafe or a coffee shop. Choose somewhere that’s relatively quiet so that you can concentrate.
I surround the quarterly review process in prayer. I dedicate time to thank God for what has happened over the past three months. If I encounter any major issues or challenges in the next three months, I seek help from God. And I reconnect with God and ensure that I am following his plan for my life.
Reviewing My 3 Year Vision
I begin by reviewing my 3-year vision for both life and ministry. This is my long-term strategic view.
It acts as a “true north” for me and informs the goals I choose for the medium and shorter terms. It paints the picture of what life will look like. I review progress against this vision.
Reviewing My Top 5 Goals for the Year
Next, I review my top 5 goals for the year. These are the most important things I identified during my annual review to help me grow towards my 3-year vision. They each include a “why” – the motivation to help me accomplish them. I assess my progress towards my goals and establish new quarterly goals to help me reach them before the year ends.
Choosing My Top 3 Goals for the Quarter
Next, I select my top 3 goals for the next three months. These goals will assist me in reaching my yearly objectives and getting closer to my long-term vision. I set start and end dates and then work backwards from the end dates to set milestones. Milestones are either sub-goals to help me move towards the final goal, or certain tasks that will help me do this.
I also take an opportunity before God to reflect on habits I want to start and stop during this quarter.
Life Plan Review
Next in my quarterly review process, I review my Life Plan. I read through it and decide if I need to revise, remove, or replace anything. Sometimes, I update the language and if God has spoken to me through his Word in a particular way, I might update the supporting Bible verses. I will also update my specific commitments.
The Quarterly Review: An Invaluable Tool for Review and Reflection
I have found my quarterly review process an invaluable part of proactive self-management in the past few years. If you think a quarterly review process might help you, then you will need to plan them in advance. Mine are a recurring appointment in my calendar. I am sure you will begin to find the quarterly review process an important time of review and reflection.
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FAQ
What is a quarterly review?
A quarterly review is a systematic evaluation of progress, achievements, and challenges that takes place every three months to assess performance and set goals for the upcoming quarter.
Why are quarterly reviews important?
Quarterly reviews are important as they help professionals stay on top of their priorities, enhance their leadership abilities, and ensure alignment with organisational goals by regularly evaluating progress and making necessary adjustments.
How can I prepare for a quarterly review?
To prepare for a quarterly review, gather relevant data and documents, reflect on your accomplishments and challenges, review your goals, identify areas for improvement, and come up with a plan for the next quarter.
What should be included in a quarterly review?
A quarterly review should include a discussion of achievements, challenges, goals, performance metrics, feedback from stakeholders, and an action plan for the next quarter.
How can I effectively communicate my accomplishments during a quarterly review?
To effectively communicate your accomplishments during a quarterly review, be specific, provide quantitative data to support your claims, use clear and concise language, and highlight the impact your achievements have had on the organisation.
What should I do if I haven’t met my goals during the previous quarter?
If you haven’t met your goals during the previous quarter, acknowledge the challenges faced, analyse the reasons for falling short, seek feedback and guidance from your manager, and develop a realistic plan to address the shortcomings in the upcoming quarter.
How can I leverage quarterly reviews to enhance my leadership abilities?
Quarterly reviews offer an opportunity to showcase your leadership abilities by demonstrating your ability to set goals, take ownership of your work, collaborate with others, drive results, and adapt to changing circumstances.
What are some common mistakes to avoid during a quarterly review?
Common mistakes to avoid during a quarterly review include focusing solely on negative aspects, being defensive instead of receptive to feedback, failing to prepare adequately, and not taking ownership of your actions and results.
How can I make the most out of the feedback received during a quarterly review?
To make the most out of the feedback received during a quarterly review, approach it with an open mind, actively listen to the feedback, ask clarifying questions, seek suggestions for improvement, and incorporate the feedback into your action plan.
How can I use the quarterly review process to enhance my professional growth?
You can use the quarterly review process to enhance your professional growth by leveraging the feedback received, identifying areas for development, setting challenging yet achievable goals, and continuously learning and improving your skills and knowledge.
Photo by Riccardo Annandale on Unsplash
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