Anyone that’s worked in an office for a boss has had to go through one of these at some point.
In small companies it’s usually a one on one informal and unannounced get together. Basically the boss stops by your desk and asks “how are things going?” and gets to the point in a roundabout way. One thing you should know about your boss is that they rarely do something without a reason.
In larger offices of course it’s a more organized and formal affair. You might have to talk to your immediate boss or an HR person or maybe you even have a peer review system in place and discuss matters with your co-workers. So it might be useful to know what a performance review is and what it is not supposed to be.
So what’s the point of a performance review? it’ basically the opportunity for those that you work with or work for to let you know how you’ve been doing at your job. We all like to think that we’re doing things the best way possible and that we don’t have any flaws in our work habits. But even the best and most conscientious of workers has a lapse from time to time. In other cases, such as when you’re just starting out, your boss or your co-workers can share with you their accumulated wisdom and may be able to improve your workflow or make things easier for you.
So what is a performance review not supposed to be? It’s not a beat down session where people take free shots at you. Sometimes it’s hard to hear that you’re not perfect or that you could be doing things in a better way. Sometimes when you’re starting out in your career a performance review seems like everyone is ganging up on you and trying to pick on the least little flaw. That’s not what business is about. Remember you and everyone there at the company is there to make money for the company. Personality issues are not conducive to that end.
Take this as the opportunity not only to learn from any flaws or mistakes in your work rhythm but also to think about how you fit into the general scheme of the company. Is the way that they do things comfortable for you? Is it totally bizarre, alien, and not at all your way of working? They’re basically telling you what you’re supposed to do and how you’re supposed to do it. Think about all of this and take this opportunity to decide whether you want to continue on at this company.
The performance review should be an opportunity for you not a dreaded event.
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