Receiving a negative performance review can leave you feeling hopeless, defeated, unappreciated, and angry. But it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world, and the way you respond to the review can impact the next one. Even if you feel that the review is inaccurate, you will look a lot better if you respond to it in a mature way. This article looks at some of the things you can do to deal with a negative performance review at work.
Clear the Air
Although this might be the last thing you feel like doing, it is important to clear the air with your boss. If you like your job and want to stay in it for some time, speak to your boss and let him know that you are serious about improving your performance. Tell him that you feel surprised by the review and would like him to work closely with you to make sure that your work improves. This may involve having a meeting with him every couple of weeks to see what areas of your work need improving, and which areas you are excelling at. Clearing the air with your boss can also help to work out any disagreements on a personal level.
Ask Colleagues and Customers for Feedback
Your boss’s opinion is not the only one that counts. Take the time to speak to your customers and colleagues and find out if you are serving their interests as well as you could be. Ask them what they feel your strengths and weaknesses are and how they feel that you can improve in your role. Being proactive in seeking feedback is only a good thing, and if more than one colleague or customer has a similar opinion, you may want to consider what they say and act on it.
Draw Up a Personal Performance Plan
It is likely that you have already been placed on a performance plan, however, if you weren’t, you can always draw up a personal plan. Take note of the things that your boss feels concerned about and take the steps to work on them. Maybe he is unhappy because you regularly turn up late to work, or maybe it’s because you have a lower sales tally than other employees. Your plan could involve ways to make sure that you get to the office earlier, or it could include going on a training course to improve your skill set. By following a performance plan you can demonstrate progress which you can show to your boss when you are reassessed.
Know When to Leave
If you really feel like your performance review was unfair, or have spent time and energy trying to change and still feel unappreciated, it may be time to find a new job. Knowing when to leave is not a sign of weakness and it could prove fruitful for you in the future. Sometimes employees are unable to change a boss’s perception of them and so leaving to start fresh in a new job is the ideal solution. Just make sure to leave your baggage behind you, and put your new skill set to good use.