Tips

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some tips for refining your personal review process to ensure your work is mistake-free:

1. Use Checklists:

   • The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande: This book emphasizes the importance of creating checklists for processes and problems you encounter. It helps in almost entirely eliminating silly mistakes and flaws in your work.

2. Print and Review by Hand:

   • Always print your documents and review them by hand. Reviewing from the last page to the first page with a red pen can help catch errors that you might miss when reading in the usual order.

3. Cross-Check Numbers:

   • Ensure numbers tie across pages by pulling out specific pages and highlighting them as you confirm they tie. Use tools like Factset's trace precedents to make sure numbers are coming from the right place.

4. Build Checks into Your Models:

   • Incorporate checks into your models, such as subtracting assets from liabilities and formatting to show three decimal places. This helps in identifying inconsistencies and errors.

5. Write Down Mistakes:

   • Whenever you are called out for missing something, write it down on a post-it note and leave it somewhere you will see every day. This constant reminder helps in avoiding the same mistakes in the future.

6. Use Sums and Averages:

   • Make use of sums and averages at the bottom of your tables. They are not only good summaries but also great for detecting inconsistencies and errors.

7. Silence and Focus:

   • Before sending a deliverable, close your eyes and spend 10 minutes in silence doing nothing, then review it again. This practice can help reorient your ability to spot errors.

8. Ask for Constant Feedback:

   • Instead of waiting for your performance review, ask for constant feedback. This way, you will always know what to expect and avoid surprises.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve your attention to detail and reduce the number of mistakes in your work.

Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/advice-on-improving-terrible-attention-to-detail?customgpt=1, On the Job With Simple As… My Research Process, Annual Review was bad how do I bounce back?, Practicing attention to detail, Ways of Underperformance - and how to avoid them (Part 1)