Surviving Performance Evaluations
"Report card" time at work? Follow these tips for a positive on-the-job evaluation.
Remember when you were in school and it was report card time? Anxiety often hit. In the same way, performance evaluations on the job can cause fear and trembling in folks — especially in this economy when job cuts are on the rise. So what can you do to not only survive the performance evaluation, but also to shine? Here are some tips:
Before the evaluation
- Pull out your past evaluation if available and make sure you have worked on the areas that had been flagged as needing improvement. This will demonstrate your receptivity to feedback.
- Obtain a current copy of the evaluation tool by which you will be measured. Your personnel office should have a copy. It's hard to be successful if you don't know how you are being assessed for success.
- Do your own evaluation as objectively as possible. Describe your strengths as well as areas in which you need to improve.
- Redo the evaluation this time from your evaluator's perspective. What do you think he/she will say?
- Problem-solve any areas that need improvement in advance. This way, if they appear at evaluation time, you are already prepared. You are open to the idea that something needs improvement and you have already begun thinking of actions to remedy the problem area. Employers generally value forward-looking people with problem-solving capabilities.
During the evaluation
- Go into the feedback session with an open mind and a controlled tongue. Resist the urge to argue. Employers usually respect workers who are receptive and open to feedback.
- Ask for clarification if you don't "get" what the problem is so that you can fully understand the issues that are of concern.
- If your evaluator has overlooked your strengths, bring them up along with concrete examples.
- If you still disagree with the evaluation, in a calm manner, let the evaluator know that you will need some time to reflect on this information before you respond and that you would like to meet again in a few days.
After the evaluation
- Use the additional time to give serious attention to the feedback. Ask colleagues for clarification.
- If, upon further reflection and information gathering, you realize you have areas to address that you were unaware of, develop a strategy to shore up the areas that need improvement. You may want to work with a coach or counselor in this process. Meet with your evaluator to discuss your ideas along with some type of accountability plan.
- If you still disagree, follow your organization's appeal process in a calm and professional manner.
Realize that ADHD often presents challenges in the workplace. At times, accommodations may be needed to help you function at your best. Many accommodations can be put into place without your having to disclose your ADHD.
Sometimes it will be to your benefit to discuss your ADHD in a formal manner with your employers so you can be protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, consider carefully the consequences of doing so.
Here's hoping that you will bring home lots of As on your next "report card!"
 4 Comments:
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Posted by
lost hodag
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Apr 7 2008 @ 7:23 AM
Termnated after 23 years and depressed.
I am an AODA counselor who loves working with clients. I hate the paperwork. As a typical ADHD person when I asked for help from management numerous years ago I was shot down. Guess What did not go back again. Tried to do as much paperwork as I could but my focus was on the client. Recently I was terminated due to inability to complete expectatins of my position which was documentation. I tried. I was placed on corrective action and as a typical ADHD person agreed to something I could not succeed at to please my manager and thought at first I could meet the expectations which eventually lead to the termination. I have so many questions. I can resign but what would be better for me. I have learned alot regarding documentation and overcame my fear of dictation but if I am unable to find employment soon I am afraid I will forget. I am one of these people who has to see like writing or keyboarding. I was diagnosed with ADHD approximately 6 months ago. I was to come up with accommadations for my disability but didn't really know what that was and continue to complete back documentation and stay cuurent. When I asked my manager what accomadations would be she stated I have to come up with these on my own. My supervisor could no longer be involved as she previously was working with me but I guess not in a timely matter or pushing me hard. My manager would not let my supervisor be involved until just before my termination. Prior to this no bad performance evaluations except for this year. The first eval performance was completed by my supervisor and then lost by me they say so another evaluation was done by my manager. Guess what? You guessed it was not like the first. I am so angry. I was taken off the Effexor as I was on a high dose along with the adderall which was causing too much frontal brain activity. I was on intermediate family medical leave and when asked by my manager to find out when I could return my psychologist approved me to return to work twice when I stated I was not able to go. The last time when unable to meet the expectations of my corrective action plan I was terminated. Any suggestions from anyone out there. I need losts of positive support because I am feeling pretty low right now. I'mnot sure who to talk with regarding what I should do regarding resiging as this is an option but notfor much longer. Thanks Lost Hodag
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Posted by
LifeBalance
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Mar 19 2008 @ 1:22 PM
Fired and depressed
Oh my gosh! When I read your post it was just like I wrote it myself!
I have had a major problem with time management and being late for EVERYTHING all my life!! It has cost me dearly over and over again. It has damaged friendships, family relationships and my marriage has taken about all it can take! I've lost jobs (yes more than one!) and had warnings that would fill a list longer than my arm! I have tried everything... multiple alarms, setting my clocks ahead by up to 20 minutes, even when I start out ahead "something" happens and I end up being late. I've been left behind both coming and going places like the movies, visiting friends, dinner and even going to my sister-in-laws wedding which was also supposed to be a mini weekend getaway! Funny thing is I beat my husband to the wedding anyway! I was so angry that he actually left me behind, that I got directions and drove the 2 1/2 hrs there myself. He couldn't believe that I did that! I drank so much that night I can't even remember the wedding. I just know I was early and all his family kept asking was where is he? He's late! That weekend was a disaster! Anyway you would think I could fix it, at least that's what my husband has said to me for years, but I just can't seem to do it!
I too am constantly engaging in negative self-talk and definitely feel pretty hopeless. I've had years of practice in that department.
I'm sorry, I know I'm not helping you find an answer to your problem, but I want you to know you are NOT ALONE!! I know EXACTLY how you feel. Hang in there and keep trying! Everyday is a new chance to be on time! When you are on time, try to REALLY ENJOY how it feels! That's the hard part. That good feeling is long forgotten the very next time I'm late.
Right now I am supposed to be emailing my resume to companies on line since I've been out of work since January 1st, and have nothing left in our bank account! I have no business passing my hours here while my husband is at work! I know that in my mind but yet I get sidetracked and here I am.
I've been slipping down into a black pit of hopeless depression falling deeper and deeper into the darkness since my father passed away last August. His funeral service was on my husbands birthday. Nice way to remember it huh? It came to a head last month when I started to hurt myself and wanted to die. My Psychiatrist is doing his very best to pull me out into the light, but it is a very long road. I am starting to feel better now that I have started on Paxil for the anxiety and depression that was consuming me a few weeks ago. I take adderall for the ADHD symptoms as well. I'm not drinking everyday like I was and I am out of bed. Both very good things! My doc suggested going to a local AA meeting to get support when Im in a bad place and talk to someone about it, in between our weekly sessions, instead of having a glass of wine which makes it so much worse. I would like to find a local grief support group to help me deal with the loss of my dad.
Look at me go on and on about ...
ME!
That's classic ADD! It's ALL about ME! HA! Gotta go take a shower so I'll be ON TIME for my appointment with my doc. I was doing really good getting there just on time. You guessed it ... I've been late the last three sessions... but... NOT today!
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Posted by
kristablush
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Jan 25 2008 @ 12:10 PM
Over Sleeping
I too have overslept for work. A great solution is to buy a wind-up alarm clock. Set it for 15 min after your electric clock.
This new clock not only acts as an additional alarm, it will work during a power failure.
The nice thing about the wind-up clock is that it has a piercing sound that will get you awake.
One other solution is to program your cell phone alarm to wake you up.
Hope these suggestions work!
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Posted by
dot
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May 25 2007 @ 12:16 AM
Fired and depressed
I am a first grade teacher in my first year of teaching. I am a great teacher - it's hard for me to say that but I know I am exactly where I need to be career-wise. I have wonderful relationships with my co workers, students, and parents. I love my job and my profession and am completely fufilled when leave school each day. I am an extremely hard worker and enjoy being challenged. However, this year I have overslept for work three times, arriving to work 15 minutes late each time. The first time it happened, I bought a second alarm clock and strategically placed it on the other side of my bedroom (I live alone). The second time it occurred, my power went out...and on Tuesday, I was fired. I am absolutely heartbroken and am petrified that this will inhibit my ability to be hired by another school. What can I do? ...What makes the situation even more miserable is that I am constantly engaging in negative self-talk and am starting to feel hopeless. Please help.
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