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A bad performance review calls for no confrontation
Performance reviews play an important role in career development of every employee. These reviews evaluate the performance of the employee on the job and help the management determine raises, promotions and training requirements. The pay hike, growth opportunity, reward or appreciation that accompanies a good review often acts as a morale booster and reinforces good performance from an employee. As an employee you look forward to a favourable review from your boss, but how
do you respond if your review turns out to be bad? You feel devastated at the outcome. It is no doubt frustrating but never confront your boss in haste. It is important to plan your response intelligently to stand a chance of changing the review in your favour. However before chalking out an action plan you have to ask yourself these questions:
Is the review really unfair? Think objectively and reason out if the review is truly unjust or you are simply taking offence at being criticised. If you realise there were certainly some lapses in your performance then instead of being upset, learn to take criticism in the right spirit. Approach your boss and seek his suggestions and guidelines to improve your performance. If there are any external factors responsible for your below par performance such as lack of resources or time make note of them. You must accumulate sufficient evidence to support your reasons in order to convince your boss.
Are you aware of your organisation’s policies? If you conclude that you deserve a much better review for your performance, first find out the HR policies in your organisation on how to respond to a bad review. Generally organisations provide employees an opportunity to discuss the review with the supervisor who has given the ratings. Follow the procedure and fix a meeting with your boss.
Though it is true that the boss has the upper hand, you can always try to persuade him to change his opinion. You must plan carefully to present your case to your boss in the most convincing manner:
Allow yourself sufficient time to prepare: Do not be in a hurry to fix up the meeting with your boss. It is always better to meet him personally to get clarifications than asking through emails or communicating over phone. Allow yourself sufficient time to analyse the review. Prepare thoroughly on the points you would like to discuss. Be ready with clear examples and documentary evidence to support your arguments.
Be assertive: Be careful not to turn emotional or defensive during the meeting. It is important to remain calm and composed to get favourable results. Do not confront but defend your case logically.
If you fail to turn the decision in your favour despite your best efforts, don’t feel disappointed. Treat it as a learning experience.
Find out from your colleagues if your boss has always been a terrible critic and if so how they cope with him. If you like the organisation and the work, don’t think of quitting just because of a bad review or a bad boss.
You can always try to move to a different department or location. However, being proactive with respect to your career is the only solution to get good performance reviews in future. Here are some tips on this front:
Get clarification on expectations: Make sure that there is no ambiguity regarding the goals and objectives set out for you to achieve during the year. Clear all your doubts at the outset. Be sure of what your boss expects from you.
Enumerate your achievements: Work hard to meet the expectations and maintain a paper trail of each milestone reached. Save all appreciation mails received from clients. If your boss praises your good work request him to give it in writing.
Seek feedback: Seek regular feedback about your performance from your boss. Show interest to learn and improve.
Ask for adequate resources: If you feel you do not have adequate resources to effectively accomplish the tasks assigned to you approach your boss immediately. Be proactive and seek what you require from your boss. If you lack the necessary skill sets or competence never hesitate to reveal it to your boss. Request him to provide guidance or training to hone your skills.
Prioritise your work: If you are reeling under a heavy workload, act before it adversely affects your productivity. Work closely with your boss to plan, prioritise and delegate your work.
A bad review though immensely stressful can be a good learning experience. With a positive attitude you can turn the bad experience into a stepping-stone for future success.
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N. PURNIMA SRIKRISHNA
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