A bad performance review from the boss can be formidable. You feel defeated, embarrassed, and even angry when hearing negative feedback for the first time is natural. But have you ever thought this reality check could be an opportunity in disguise?
It is a distinct opportunity to identify your faults and blind spots, learn from mistakes, and become a better employee—even a chance to brush past company all-stars!
Once you know where your performance is lacking, make an action plan and do some hard work. Learn how to transform yourself from a poor performer into a champ.
Road To Recovery
Chuck out your emotions: Before your review meeting, promise to leave your emotions at the door. Try to go into these meetings with an open mind. It helps to view conversations with your manager as constructive feedback instead of assuming you’re in trouble.
Yes, it is easier said than done. No one likes to hear a subpar job jibe. You will feel upset, misunderstood, and angry when the news is revealed.
However, if you are thinking, remain cool-headed, listen to the feedback given by the reviewer team, and remember that no one is a perfect performer every time. Remember that you will stand to lose much more from lashing out or taking out your grief on the messenger.
It can be challenging to stay focused after hearing a bad performance review. Take notes to capture the key points accurately. It will give you more transparency to reflect on later as you develop an improvement plan.
Breathe—After the news sinks in, you will feel disappointed. Talk to a trusted friend who is in a different office than you. Vent out your feelings to him. In case you don’t feel like talking, no issues. Set aside time to reflect alone. This feeling of failure will help you notice what went wrong and avoid making the same mistake next time.
“Permit yourself to experience disappointment, but stay away from the office.”
Get the complete picture: Arrange a follow-up meeting with your manager once you feel normal. The purpose of this meeting is to understand, in totality, what went wrong and where. Approach your boss with questions, ask them calmly and non-confrontationally, and gather as much information as possible. Ask as many questions as possible and convey to your manager that the sole purpose is self-improvement and nothing more.
You can also ask your manager what you’re doing well. It will clarify the areas you must focus on for improvement. Your manager or boss will appreciate this meeting and feel you are serious about improvements.
Make an action plan: With all the information in your kitty, you must discuss your action plan with your manager to remedy the situation.
Leaning on what needs improvement, you may need to reprioritize tasks, sharpen your skills, or further develop communication skills. Define a realistic timeline for yourself to implement these changes. Ask your manager to give you periodic feedback about your being on track for improvement.
Interpersonal skills play a significant role in reviews: Keeping healthy relationships with coworkers and colleagues is essential, and teamwork and interactions with other employees have much weightage in a performance review. Cordial relationships in the office always help.
Bo Open to Colleagues: Inform your colleagues that you are working on some improvements. Chances are they will come forward and help you in your endeavor. It also encourages transparency and creates extra accountability. Also, if some of your colleagues have been through a similar situation, they may share their tips for success with you.
Being diligent in such situations is necessary. Making changes in the workplace is not easy, especially when people around you will still see that one time you lost it. Do not worry; you keep your focus on the big picture.
The most important thing here is follow-up. You need to track your progress; otherwise, all your efforts will be in vain. You must know if you are on the right track daily. Meet your Manager once a month to follow up on your progress. Rebuilding trust and meeting your goals through these periodic check-ins will ensure you do not get another jolt in the following review meeting.
If your job does not challenge you enough, something must be fixed. The best jobs challenge you to become a better employee and person, even if they occasionally include harsh performance reviews.
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