Performance review time is often anxiety provoking. This is especially true when it contains negative feedback. If you receive a bad performance review, you have the option to write a rebuttal and request a meeting with your supervisor. Here are some tips to help you meet this challenge:
- Request a meeting with your supervisor to discuss your feedback. Just prior to the meeting:
- Take slow calming breaths to release tension.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Be curious about how your supervisor sees your performance.
- Ask yourself, “what do I need to learn from this experience?”
- Thank your supervisor for meeting with you. Then state calmly and professionally why you disagree with the evaluation.
- Be concise and clear.
- Bring evidence of your accomplishments to support your reasons.
- Identify assumptions and correct misunderstandings between you and your supervisor to clarify why you disagree with the feedback.
- Ask questions about what success looks like in your supervisor’s point of view.
- Do your accomplishments match some of these success points?
- Identify your supervisor's expectations and priorities.
- Create your own action plan to address any areas needing a change based on these expectations.
- If your supervisor is not familiar with your work activities, find ways to keep them aware of your accomplishments.
- Resist the urge to avoid contact with your supervisor. Instead seek out their opinion and listen for ways to upgrade your performance.
- Remember that your success speaks positively on your supervisor’s success. Working together can be a win-win performance.
- If you are still dissatisfied with the outcome after meeting with your supervisor, you may call the Ombuds Office at 409-880-8039 to explore more options.