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Performance reviews, even for the rock stars among us, can be not only stressful but downright terrifying.
But they don’t have to be.
We sought out and interviewed five elite career coaches and asked them for advice on how you might react — whether your boss tells you you’re a home-run hitter or a benchwarmer whose days are numbered. Here’s what they had to say.
IF THE REVIEW IS GOOD
Jodi Glickman, president of Great On The Job Inc., author of the book of the same name: Own it. “It’s OK to say, ‘I’m proud of my performance,’ ” says Glickman. “Then ask, ‘What’s next?’ ” This is not a time to be a passive listener, she counsels. Instead, grab the ball by saying something like, “Here are three ideas for taking my game up next year.”
Cynthia Shapiro, author of “Corporate Confidential: 50 Secrets Your Company Doesn’t Want You To Know”: Keep it in your pants. “This may not be the best time to ask for a raise,” Shapiro advises. Companies often review all of their employees at the same time. “You don’t want to be just another voice in a crowd of people who want more money,” she says. Instead, wait for a time when you’ve just done something great — and when the company is flush with money. “It will be hard for them to say no,” she adds.
Roy Cohen, executive coach and author of “The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide: Success Secrets of a Career Coach”: If it’s off the charts, use it to get something you want. “Don’t miss this opportunity,” says Cohen. “But be transparent when you ask, so that they don’t think you’re gaming them,” he adds. While a raise or a promotion might be obvious options, there are other perks to consider: for example, a full ride for an executive MBA, sponsorships for seminars and overseas assignments. A word to the wise: Whatever you ask for, be sure you’re ready to walk the walk if they say yes, warns Cohen, “because employers spend big bucks on these sort of things, and if you don’t follow through on your end, it’s a problem.”
Dan Schawbel, author of the forthcoming book “Promote Yourself: The New Rules For Career Success”: Don’t take all the credit for what you’ve accomplished. “Work is a team sport,” says Schawbel, and acknowledging that will make you look good. You can, however, use the positive feedback to prove that you’ve mastered your role and are ready for additional responsibilities. (Can you say promotion?)
Paul Falcone, human resources executive and author of “The Performance Appraisal Toolkit”: If working from home is something you’d like to do, suggest a temporary arrangement in which you work from home one day a week for the next 30 days, says Falcone. While you might cite better work/life balance as a reason, time efficiency might serve you even better; after all, part of the time spent commuting could be spent on the job. After the initial 30 days are over, request another trial month, and then be prepared to show that your savings in commuter time result in higher output. “That’s when you ink that new schedule permanently and give yourself a 20 percent raise, time-wise, each week in terms of flexibility and independence,” says Falcone.
IF THE REVIEW IS BAD
Glickman: Do not cry, swear or act defensive. “If you can’t keep your composure, say that it’s not what you expected, that you’re disappointed and excuse yourself,” says Glickman. You’ll be better off continuing the conversation later, when you have your emotions in check.
Shapiro: Really listen to what your boss is saying. Make sure you are working on the right things. To find out what they are, be a sleuth: Figure out what your boss values, what his pet peeves are and what he rewards, promotes and protects. “We tend to work on what we think is important, but if you’re wrong, you will be wasting your time and eroding your value to the organization,” Shapiro adds.
Cohen: Take the high road, and take the pressure off your boss. “No one likes to give bad reviews,” Cohen explains. Show gratitude for the feedback, admitting there’s room for growth. “Your boss will be relieved, and that may open a door for you,” Cohen says. What to do next? “Convey that you’re committed to being successful, that you’ll work tirelessly and that you’d like to work together to develop a plan of action.” Get your boss to invest in helping you — he won’t want to lose.
Schawbel: If this isn’t your first bad review with your company, it might be time to find a new job and start with a clean slate, says Schawbel. “But don’t quit until the new job is in hand,” he warns. Potential employers can’t check references at your current company while you’re employed.
Falcone: “Take the spear your boss has thrown at you, and bend it,” says Falcone. Tell your manager you can make a complete turnaround if he gives you a clear understanding of what he wants. “During that conversation, enlist him as a partner in guiding you toward getting that done. Check in with him regularly to make sure you’re on track,” says Falcone. “If he keeps saying yes, it’s going to be very hard for your boss to give you a bad review in the future.”