How to Rebound From a Poor Job Performance Evaluation

With the right approach, you can rebound from a poor job evaluation.

Sometimes, even the most competent worker can somehow receive a poor job performance evaluation. If this happens to you, realize there is a correct way to deal with this potentially career-damaging event. It is important to respond in the most professional way possible.

Instructions

1. Remain calm, no matter what your supervisor says. Maintain your composure and resist the urge to immediately go on the defensive. Let your boss have his say. Take notes as he speaks so you will be better equipped to address each issue.

2. Reply when your boss has finished his comments, if you feel prepared to respond at once. However, if you feel you need more time to gather your thoughts, make that request. You can tell him you don't completely agree with his assessment and you would like some time to prepare a rebuttal.

3. Get to work immediately on your reply, if your request is granted. Make sure you are given a copy of your evaluation so you can use it to craft your rebuttal. Also use your notes from the evaluation to directly address every issue he brought up. Give specific reasons why you disagree with the evaluation and make them clear and concise.

4. Return at the appointed time to address the matter. Again, remain calm and discuss it thoroughly without a confrontational attitude. Work with your boss to come to some agreement about what is expected of you and on a mutual plan of action to resolve issues. When you respond in a professional manner, your boss will perhaps be more inclined to adjust your evaluation.

5. Get back to work after the matter is settled. Resist the temptation to cop an attitude and only do the bare minimum. Be the bigger person and continue to work hard and let your work speak for itself. Don't give your boss any further reason to discredit your job performance.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if some time has passed since you received the poor evaluation, it's never too late to meet with your boss to revisit the issues.

• Showing that you care enough about your position to want to rectify the situation speaks volumes.

• Be honest with yourself about the issues that your boss has raised regarding your job performance.

• Don't try to make excuses for an area where you know you are lacking. Instead, get suggestions from your boss on how to improve in those areas.

• If, after presenting your case to your boss, he is not willing to reconsider the evaluation and you definitely feel the evaluation is unfair or unwarranted, speak to your boss' supervisor or a human resources representative.

References

• Your Office Coach: How To Respond To A Bad Review