How to Handle a Negative Review

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It can happen to even the most conscientious employee. Despite trying your best, you receive a negative review. Criticism can be hard to take, particularly in a business setting when you are striving for high achievement. If you have received or expect to receive a negative review, here are some suggestions to deal with the situation:

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Keep your emotions at bay while receiving the criticism and try to actively listen to what is being said. You will need to recall this information later.

Step2

Stay calm and professional. Do not become defensive or argumentative during the review.

Step3

Present your assessment in a calm, organized and non-confrontational manner if you can objectively process the information during the review.

Step4

Tell the person giving the review (whether it's your supervisor or an HR representative) that you would like time to digest the information and request a follow-up meeting to discuss the issues if you don't think the criticism is valid. A third party such as your immediate supervisor or an additional HR representative might help you make your case next time as well.

Step5

Use the situation as a tool to improve and grow as an employee. Tell your reviewer that you appreciate the feedback and will work to improve the areas that require attention.

Step6

Objectively analyze the criticism you received after the review. Is it valid? Is it something you are willing to change? Do you believe making a change will improve your performance and/or skills?

Step7

Implement changes to improve on the areas discussed during your review if, after analyzing the criticism, you think the assessment was valid. Remember to document the changes you are making in some way to present at your next review.

Step8

Decide whether you can remain in the job without making the changes if you think the criticisms are not valid. If so, you increase your chances of another negative review.

Step9

During your second meeting about your performance, present your arguments regarding why you believe the criticisms were invalid. Use data and results to support the argument that your performance did not deserve a negative review.

Tips & Warnings

Tread carefully when second-guessing your supervisor! You can also use the review as a tool to demonstrate your ability to take direction/criticism and improve your performance.

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Comments

diegodog said

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on 9/30/2007 Sometimes a bad review is a covert method by mgt to rid themselves of undesirable employees. Always ask for concrete examples from mgt, as to how your workmanship is not measuring up to their expectations. Be sure to let the manager know that you’re not accusing him / her of lying, but you need to know what you need to improve upon. Ask for more frequent reviews so you can benchmark you progress. If mgt is not open to any of options, that’s a strong indication your services will no longer be needed in the near future (say within 90 days).

Diablo2 said

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on 9/2/2007 Very good. Just by coming forward and showing your face n thee first place will certainly give your supervisor a sense of initiative - This is exactly what they like to see.

Also, analyze what they say whether you like it or not; you never know what flaws you may have but aren't able to really see.

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