How to Survive a Negative Performance Review at Work
Your performance review is looming on the horizon. The job market is bleak, and you know you haven't met your performance goals. You keep thinking about the wrong decisions you've made, but none of them really matter now, because you can't change the past. What does matter, though, is how you respond in your review. You want to make the best impression you can, and you want the reviewer to know how important your job is to you.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Remain positive---the review may go better than you anticipated. Analyze your accomplishments and failures before you go into the review. This will prepare you for what is to come. Stay calm, and don't take any remarks personally---even the ones that hurt or you feel are unfair. Above all, don't argue or force the reviewer into a corner, causing him to defend his comments.
-
2
Win the reviewer over. This is your opportunity to get him on your side and possibly receive a second chance. Look over the reviewer's comments regarding your accomplishments and subtly work into the conversation other accomplishments he hasn't mentioned. After you and the reviewer have gone over the positive comments, tell him you're concerned about how the negative comments will affect your future. If the negative comments outweigh the positive comments, ask the reviewer to consider giving you a second chance before he files the review.
-
-
3
Make the most of the opportunity. Since you have no guarantee you'll be given another chance to prove yourself, a few well-chosen words on your part may decide the difference between a future layoff or a raise. You want to make the reviewer feel powerful, while at the same time putting pressure on him. Most people want to help others, so provide the reviewer the opportunity to feel good about himself by helping you.
-
4
Consider filing a written rebuttal if you appealed to the reviewer but came up empty-handed. Don't take this step lightly, as a rebuttal can prove counterproductive and alienate you from the managerial chain.
-
5
Don't blame anyone. If you decide to move forward with a written rebuttal, consider that a rebuttal shouldn't blame anyone else or make excuses. Doing so will weaken your position and damage your credibility. The rebuttal should address tangible items or those which, when viewed from an objective perspective, can be shown to be incorrect. Write the rebuttal out, and have someone you trust and respect read it. You need someone with a fresh set of eyes to look it over. Select a person who isn't afraid to criticize you and whose criticism you'll remain open-minded toward.
-
1
