The Daily Tip Jar

The most dreaded day of work, after Monday, is the day you get evaluated. No matter how prepared you think you are, it is always nerve racking. Someone is going to be looking very closely at your work performance. They will be searching for anything that they can tell you to improve. There are only two ways a meeting like these ends. It could end with you feeling amazing because you exceeded their expectations. The more likely option is that they found areas or instances that could improve. Be ready for either outcome by looking into these dos and don’ts before your next big review. 

Do Be Professional

The number one thing to do is to always remain professional in every meeting. Reacting in any other way will just prove whatever point they are trying to make. It may be difficult but stay calm, especially if it feels like they are discrediting everything you do. Remember that they were looking for problems. A reviewer isn’t always going to highlight the great work you do. To keep employees striving to be better, they need to find ways to encourage improvement. Keep yourself composed and save any anger for the punching bag.

Don’t Make Excuses

Listening to things you can improve and not responding will be difficult. Don’t interject and try to make excuses for yourself. This will only be looked at as trying to justify your poor performances, especially if you try to shift blame to coworkers. If there are any significant life changes or challenges occurring, you would want to let your employer know well before your evaluation. This way, they can consider those circumstances in your assessment. During your meeting will not be the time to reveal any personal information.

Do Reflect

After you have had time to calm any emotions, look back at the areas they pointed out that you could improve on. Choose to listen to what they were telling you. Reflecting on your efforts may reveal to you the same things you were told. An outside perspective is often helpful if we allow it.  Embrace the areas you need help in and put forth more effort. Once your superiors see you improving, they will be confident in you as an employee. Your next evaluation will improve.

Don’t Take It Personal

It is hard not to take criticism personally, but you are more than just your profession. There is a whole life with family and friends that don’t rely on your work performance. There are also hobbies and other activities you enjoy that don’t rely on your work performance. How well you are doing at work should not be your whole self-worth. There is so much more to who you are. Think of the other parts of your life that you excel in when getting a bad review.

Work is something that cannot be avoided. We all need an income. Along with employment comes criticism at times. Take this advice and never dread another evaluation.

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