"A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." – Albert Einstein

Table of Contents

• Learning from Experience: Turning Performance Revi …

• Alex – The “Too Modest” Marketer

• Priya – The “Defensive” Analyst

• Ben – The “Unprepared” Engineer

• Sara – The “Vague” HR Assistant

• What good looks like

• Cheeky meme of the week

Learning from Experience: Turning Performance Review Mistakes into Success

For many new graduates, the first end-of-year review can feel intimidating. Mistakes are common — but what matters most is how they’re handled. We emailed some grads to ask them if they had ever made a mistake and this is what they said. Of course we also asked them to share how they fixed things and they were all happy to help because they all said their mistakes had helped them to thrive. We love our grads. Just like us their intention is to help others for free.

Alex – The “Too Modest” Marketer

The challenge:
In his first review, Alex downplayed his achievements, assuming his manager already knew what he’d contributed. His work appeared less impactful than it was.

How he fixed it:
Alex began keeping a monthly “achievement log,” noting outcomes and positive feedback. By his next review, he presented clear data showing his campaign improved website traffic by 18%.

Result:
His preparation and confidence impressed his manager, who gave him responsibility for a high-profile campaign project.

Priya – The “Defensive” Analyst

The challenge:
When Priya’s manager raised areas for improvement, she became defensive, explaining why issues were “beyond her control.”

How she fixed it:
She learned to listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and view feedback as an opportunity for growth.

Result:
Her openness strengthened her relationship with her manager, leading to her selection for a professional development programme.

Ben – The “Unprepared” Engineer

The challenge:
Ben came to his first review without notes or examples, struggling to recall key results.

How he fixed it:
He prepared a one-page summary of completed projects, challenges, and learning outcomes for his next review.

Result:
His structured approach demonstrated initiative and earned him a recommendation for a team lead opportunity.

Sara – The “Vague” HR Assistant

The challenge:
Sara talked enthusiastically about “wanting to grow,” but couldn’t define specific goals.

How she fixed it:
She set measurable objectives: completing her CIPD qualification and mentoring interns.

Result:
Her manager supported her plan, and Sara was promoted within 12 months.

What good looks like

Nobody gets their first review perfectly right — and that’s okay.
The graduates who grow fastest are those who:
- Prepare with evidence
- Listen with openness
- Reflect on feedback
- Set clear, realistic goals

A great review isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, reflection, and potential.

Cheeky meme of the week