Preparing for the performance review: How to keep a brag log
Performance reviews can be a source of anxiety for many people. One way to combat this is to keep a "brag log" of your accomplishments throughout the year.
Here are some tips on how to keep a brag log that will make your performance review easier and less stressful.
Why should you bother
Creating a brag log serves two purposes:
- It reminds you of your accomplishments, to help feel good about yourself and keep imposter syndrome away.
- It helps you progress within your company by providing visibility of your accomplishments to your manager.
Use your company's language
During your performance review, your manager will want to see how your work is contributing to the company's success.
You probably have access to your company's values, the career progression guidelines, the quarterly goals, OKRs…
These documents can teach you the language of your company. Learn to speak it.
As you record your accomplishments, make sure to use your company's language. Aim to establish a clear link between your work and what's important for the company. The more clearly you can demonstrate your impact on the company, the easier it will be for your manager to evaluate your performance and recognize your achievements.
Keep it simple
Don't make your brag log another task that you procrastinate on. Keep it easy to maintain and always follow the same format to avoid overthinking.
Try to write down an entry in your brag log as soon as you accomplish the corresponding task. This will ensure that your knowledge is fresh and you can write it down in a few minutes.
Provide documentation to back up the accomplishment
Make sure to provide links to pull requests, tickets, Slack threads, or any other documentation that supports your accomplishments.
Your manager might want to learn more about your accomplishments in detail, and see them in context.
Set up a reminder
You want to make sure your brag log is up to date, so that by the time of the performance review, it's ready and shiny to share with your manager.
Set a reminder to update your brag log every month. Just to make sure you're not falling behind.
What format to use?
Use whatever is easiest for you. Don't overthink it and try to make it perfect. The most important part is that you actually write down your accomplishments.
A simple text file on your computer is good if that works for you.
I use Notion. It’s a platform I’m comfortable with and that I use extensively. I can even link my brag log to other documentation I keep in Notion, like my work journal.
A personal example
To give you an idea of what a brag log entry might look like, I've included one of my own below.
It’s simple and short, and it only took me a few minutes to write down.
The entry links to my work journal, where there are more details and a link to where the discussion happened.
I've also considered how my accomplishment aligns with my company's values. This shows that it's not just something I think is great, but it's also important for the company.
Keeping a brag log has helped me recognize my achievements and reflect on my progress, and I encourage you to give it a try.