The Performance Review

Many folks will be returning to work at the start of the new year to face that annual performance review...that tool that most employers use to gauge an employee’s value to the company.

Back in the day, it was a simple meeting. Either Sam didn’t meet, he met, or he exceeded expectations....same with Sally.

Now, it’s a scientific study with factors outside the control of an employee.

Today’s performance review in large corporations is now based on a weighting system including mathematical calculations to determine if the employee should receive a merit raise, a bonus, or continued employment.

Today’s performance review is also based on personal opinion. Not only the supervisor has input, but fellow colleagues can provide feedback to an employee’s review. If the fellow colleague has a negative personal perception of the employee, their feedback will direct negative feedback toward that employee and be recorded as so on a permanent job record that will follow that employee maybe even after he or she leaves the company.

An employee’s success, livelihood and career track at a company is superficially dependent on this new almighty performance review.

Tips to survive the performance review:

• Be sure you know exactly where your source is. Your success, your growth, and your very existence is outside the walls of the place where you work.

• Your success is dependent on your own self-value.

• Your life is not based on where you work.

• Do not feel you need to be defensive about any statements. You know your skills, demeanor, character, and intentions better than anybody.

• Remember that your job is merely a means to keep cash in your pocket, a roof over your head, and food on the table. Your sun and moon does not rise and fall based on The ABC Company to where you report from the bus/train or pull up to everyday.

• Do respond with written factual documentation when responding to any personal negative opinions and do so with no emotion. Act like you’re Spock on the Enterprise.

• If the performance review turns out to be ridiculous, begin looking for another job immediately. The economy may seem tough and rough, but people are still being hired each and everyday. Also, put on a happy face that everything is okay. You are worthy to work at a place that is worthy to have you and that place is waiting for you right now.

• If the performance review is excellent, be sure to thank your supervisor and continue the good work. 

Edited and Reposted from a February 2011 blog post by Lady Intelligence.