Got disappointing performance appraisal- Now what ?

I recently got a call from a close friend who got some unsatisfactory reviews from his manager. Like everybody else, even he believed he was out-performing all the job duties and was very well liked within the peers but unfortunately that was not the case in the eyes of his manager. Upon further encounter, I learned, he never asked for any specific examples that made his manager come to certain conclusion. And well, that was the turning point of our conversation and looked like both the parties left the room with different ideas and conclusions of what was said or perceived. (Well it happens mostly all the time with employee’s especially new hires that are scared to ask questions). Upon this episode, I quickly check my work calendar as my appraisal was approaching very soon too and I wanted to make sure- I don’t encounter the similar situation.

Four years ago, the man of the house referred me to this book when I started my first job but I ignored his suggestion. I was pretty excited and was on cloud 9 to have my first job and I firmly believed that I have learned everything in graduate school, which will make a perfect hire for any organization.  Unfortunately I never touched a single page of that book. Now I hastily rush back to my study and edgily look for the book—its called “Hit the running Job by Andrea Dolph and Ray Sarnacki”.

I quickly establish chapter number 7 will come handy during my upcoming appraisal session and I would like to summarize the chapter for you with this article.

 Few important lessons to remember:

1)   Keep track of your work

Always make sure, you track your accomplishment, special projects assigned- always ask for informal feedback from your coworkers, managers and other employee involved in the projects. Keeping track of your accomplishment can come handy during appraisal process

2)   Don’t act defensive

Getting appraisal could be nerve wracking; even the most experienced employee can get defensive. Take your appraisal as a learning event to improve and correct your shortcoming, remembers always be listening and taking notes.

3)   Ask for specific examples

Whether you get negative or positive feedback, always remember to ask certain examples because negative or positive feedback could be perceived in anyways. Miscommunication could really hurt manager-employee’s relations.

4)   Disagree with evaluation

Many of us get emotional and cannot ask right questions during the meeting. If you get in one of that situation-take notes and schedule a follow up meeting to discuss further on those issues to get more clarity on future goals and performance

Appraisal is very crucial for your career, it is prepared to help you reach your goals and get up to full potential. Without formal feedback, you wont be able to correct your shortcomings or get a chance to climb the ladder in any organization.

Hope this article was helpful

Please shoot any questions or comments you might have.