Bouncing back from a bad performance review

It’s a new year but some people are still reeling from the bad news they received in their December performance review. Bad performance reviews are especially hard to accept around the holidays because everyone seems to be happy and celebrating and you are left wondering if you would have a job come January. Enough with the pity party or boss bashing, its time to pick yourself up and get back in the game. {{more}}

Get a handle on your emotions.

A bad performance review can cause people to fall apart emotionally and bring out the water works or it can trigger feelings of anger and resentment. None of these emotions are directed at resolving the problem. If you need to cry or yell do so in the privacy of your own home or with trusted friends who will listen to you for a short period of time. I say short period of time because your friends are not your therapist, a bad review is not the end of the world and your energies need to be focused on getting back on the fast track.

Review the review.

Now that you are a few days or even a few weeks out from the review take the time to go over the review point by point. As you look at each area, consider steps you can take to improve your performance and write them down. Review these improvement steps with your supervisor and ask what else you can do to improve your performance. Read the review a second time and imagine that you are the boss and you had to deal with “you” the employee. Does your perspective change? Would you want to work for “you”? What would you the employer tell “you” the employee?

Set up a feedback system.

Open communication is key to becoming a star performer and getting feedback. once per year is not sufficient. You need to be able to know how you are doing constantly so you ensure you are on the right track and can make immediate adjustment as needed. The feedback should come from the person or persons responsible for your performance review. This relationship should be open and it’s an opportunity for you to demonstrate how eager you are to learn, your positive attitude and your interest in improving your skills.

Get a mentor or a coach.

No one makes it on their own. Seek out someone in your company who can mentor you and help mould you to be the professional you know you can be. Sometimes it might be best to seek an outside coach or mentor who can guide you through the ins and outs of making it in the workplace. You might also want to consider a mastermind group where you can be a part of a small group of professionals who are serious about helping each other excel in their careers.

Stretch yourself.

Take the time to read about success, pioneers in your field and attend classes. Sometimes a bad performance review is what some people need to get them to move from mediocre to exceptional.