A Performance Review Should Never Contain Surprises — for Either Side

If you're hearing critical feedback for the first time during your annual review, something went wrong long before that meeting. Good managers give feedback in real time. And good employees seek feedback regularly, not once a year.

Make a habit of asking your manager every few weeks: "Is there anything I should adjust?" It takes the drama out of reviews and keeps small issues from festering into career-altering problems.