Most reviews are a back and forth dialog between an employee and a supervisor, rather than a simple one-way lecture. You will probably be expected to open up about your feelings about your job, your successes, your struggles and your working relationships with your other employees. For this reason, it is best to show up alert, well-rested and prepared to talk all about your job. Try to stay focused on the conversation during your review your review demands your full attention, so do not let yourself daydream or lose track of the proceedings.

☛ For people who naturally get nervous before performance reviews, it probably will not be hard to muster the energy necessary to give the appearance of being alert and focused. In these cases, however, you may want to take steps to ensure you are not too jittery, avoid coffee, take deep breaths and if you can, get plenty of exercise the day before to keep yourself relaxed.