Everyone has received a bad performance review in their careers, but that isn’t the end of the world. Everyone’s circumstances might differ, either in terms of the culture of the company to the general personality of the boss. Honestly, everyone knows whether the appraisal was true or not. But sadly it’s the person receiving it that has to bear the brunt. The first thing to do is be Calm, just relax (something that I have trouble doing usually), no point getting defensive. Focus on what you’re being told and save the rebuttals for later.
As always rely on facts, control the environment to make it a conducive one, appraisals are supposed to lead to growth and not de-motivation. Make sure you understand the problem and come up with a solution. The key is, however, to keep it professional.
Act but Don’t React
It’s okay to feel angry; maybe you didn’t expect such an outcome. Take some time if it’s not already given to you, a day or two if required, reflect and develop a plan. Let the boss know you’re willing to change and ask for direct actions. This should get the boss on your side.
Perspective is always subjective
You don’t have to accept every criticism as a fact. You can dispute what you feel is irrational or biased but in any case you need to be civil, but don’t roll over. You can share the difference in perspective which will help in making the conversation productive rather than attacking the evaluation directly.
Getting Real
Evaluations can be a determining factor in job security and the basis of increments ,especially in Pakistan. It can also be a tool used by management to get rid of employees. So you got a poor review it is you who has to decide whether you want to stay in the current job, whether it is the right fit. Don’t leave the job in haste, you need to make a decision from a place of power and confidence and not fear.
Learn from Your Mistakes
When you land at your next job, you may feel extreme anxiety about your first evaluation. You can prevent this -- and getting another negative review -- by opening the lines of communication with your manager from day one.
As an individual, the ethical aspects of a workplace are quite important to me. Whether it is the way I interact with colleagues or avoid office politics, these things are positives which sometimes come to bite me in the rear end. Although I have become flexible, there is still a long way to go. The amount of diversity that you experience in a workplace needs to be managed intelligently. Often we have to work with people that are just trying to save their jobs, so its best to be careful. Other than that it is important to know what you bring to the table in terms of contributions and know your place in the value addition process.
