How to Handle a Bad Annual Review
If your raises and opportunities for promotion hinge on your performance reviews, you may be under pressure to get stellar feedback from your boss. If the information and reaction you receive is less than favorable, however, bounce back from the bad review with strategies to turn your work habits around before the next one.
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Instructions
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Keep your emotions in check as your boss is discussing your bad review. Resist the urge to argue with his findings or express your anger or sadness. Remain professional throughout the meeting.
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Have an open mind as you listen to the criticism. Understand that the feedback is important and valid, particularly if your boss backs her opinion up with written complaints from other supervisors or co-workers.
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Ask for specific ways that you can improve your work performance before the next review rather than dwell on the bad feedback. Get concrete goals that you can work toward and ask for interim progress reports so you won't be blindsided next year.
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Request a little positive feedback if your boss simply has a reputation for negativity. He should be able to come up with a few highlights of your work performance or skills that you bring to the team that will end the meeting on an upbeat note.
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Dispute your boss' examples of how you failed your team, disappointed your co-workers or caused disruptions if she truly got the facts wrong. Wait until you've calmed down, however, and ask for a follow-up meeting. Although it's often difficult to amend a written evaluation, present any specific documents, results or emails you have to build your case for an appeal.
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Tips & Warnings
If your boss won't listen to evidence that should lead to a better review, consider taking your case to another supervisor or the human resources department. Consider that the dispute may put a strain on your relationship with your boss and weigh the true benefits of getting the annual review amended. Unless it will affect a promotion or raise, for example, the risk may not be worth it.
