Back in the Saddle: Getting Past a Negative Performance Review

Negative performance reviews are no fun to receive, but for many they’re an inevitable fact of life. Not every job will be a flawless fit, not every boss and colleague will love you, and sometimes it’s just plain tough to make numbers. But in a down economy where performance reviews count for more than ever, it’s important to stay ahead of the game if a negative review comes your way.

While it’s possible that a bad review could surprise you, chances are that you will see it coming. If this is the case, do everything you can to steer your performance review in a different direction. If your numbers aren’t up to expectations, work harder than ever and leverage what you can to make your goals. Document your processes so you can illustrate what you’ve been trying to do, which will better position you to ask for help and advice.

In finance, numbers are the name of the performance review game, but interpersonal issues can also come into play. If things aren’t great between you and others in the office, do whatever you can to smooth things over. Swallowing your pride may be bitter, but improving your boss’s impression of you could keep you out of the performance review doghouse.

Should a negative review come your way, stay calm. Under no circumstances should you allow yourself to become defensive or emotional. Instead, listen intently and take notes. You may disagree with everything your boss says, but during the first meeting that doesn’t matter. Take everything they say into earnest consideration and schedule a follow up meeting before you leave.

If you feel your boss is wrong, document the reasons why and bring them up at your follow-up meeting. If you understand that the negative review may be correct, now is the time to improve. If your problem is numbers, find help to get them where they need to be. You may decide to network, explore educational resources, or enlist the help of a mentor.

When you come for your follow up meeting, be prepared. Illustrate that you are taking your performance reviews seriously by demonstrating your new strategies for achieving success. Whether your next review goes well, or poorly, will depend on your attitude. If you are open, receptive, and non-confrontational, your boss will be impressed with your attitude and you’ll buy more time to achieve your goals.