I was recently given a performance review (my first in three years) and it wasn’t at all what I expected. I actually thought that I was doing a great job, and have put in lots of overtime, but my boss listed me as “satisfactory” with one “needs improvement”. Should I look for another job? How can I overcome this erroneous perception that my boss has of me?

It is certainly unfortunate that it has been three years since your last performance review. To be effective, assessment of work performance should employ the FACTs: fair, accurate, consistent, and timely. Reviews should be formally conducted at least annually, and can even best be delivered in a regular informal monthly, weekly, or even on a day-to-day basis. Why should any employee NOT think that their work was fine if they are not being told otherwise? How effective is it to judge performance of work or behaviours that could have been done up to three years ago? If issues are identified, opportunities for two-way communication should be encouraged, with clear plans developed to improve poor work habits. Good performance review practices are designed to do just that.

Perception is reality

The first thing you must do is find a mirror and take a deep, long look into it — after all, there might be a nugget or two of truth in some of that bad news. It is always more difficult for anyone to find fault in their own behaviour, so try to be as objective and introspective as possible. Needless to say, we all have areas in which we could improve. A “Satisfactory” rating is not necessarily bad, so it is likely that there were also some positive points that were raised about your performance — don’t gloss over them, but use them to build a base to work from. If you truly think that your boss has erroneous perceptions, avoid having an argument about it (it is after all their perception), but ask for more information to help you understand why they would have that opinion. Clarify what “Satisfactory” means to them. Focus on solutions, and try not to make it personal. This is all, admittedly, not always an easy task.

Determine the best action plan by understanding the details

If you decide to take the positive approach and work though this with your boss to improve the situation, start with a detailed description of what the problem(s) is (or are). Try to get as precise an understanding of the issue as possible. For example, if your boss states that you are not as accurate in your work as you should be, ask for specific examples of this behaviour from the past, and ask for expectations of what a more appropriate behaviour would be. The more precise the details, the more likely it is that you will understand both the problem and the desired outcome.

Set up appropriate goals with your boss

Work with your boss to create an action plan for improvement, with clear expectations of deliverables, a timeline for improvement, and key milestones or checkpoints to make sure you are on track. It is only by consistently demonstrating that you can deliver to the expected result that the perception your boss maintains about you will change.

Does time equal quantity AND quality for you?

I wanted to explore one comment you made about the extra time you are spending in overtime. Be careful not to equate the quantity of hours you put in to the quality of the output you produce. Indeed, working longer and longer hours can sometimes be counterproductive.

Consider other employment options

You deserve to give yourself a fair shot at improving your performance to the standard set by your organization. Monitor how things are going with your boss, and ensure that you are maintaining a healthy level of communication. Most of the time, this can be a positive learning experience for both sides and great strides are made. Unfortunately, there are also times when it makes more sense for you to consider moving on. Be realistic in what you feel you can accomplish, and listen to the feedback you are receiving from your supervisor.

Taking on a disappointing performance review head on and challenging yourself to improve, with the support of your boss, can lead to true personal and professional development — a positive attitude is key to your success.

Good luck!

Mitchell Stephenson M.A., CPCC, is a senior partner and a certified professional career counsellor at Catalyst Careers, a career transition, counselling, and outplacement firm. Mitch has been involved in human resources, career counselling and coaching in the health and legal sectors for many years. To contact him, visit: www.catalystcareers.ca.

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