How to face the review?

How to Face the Review

Source: Men's Health.com

A review is one of the least understood traditions on Planet Work. Employees are taught to see it as a good thing. It's not. Fact is, your boss gives you your real performance review every day, at the coffee machine, at the urinal. But you need to know how to handle one of these.

But first let me tell you about my friend Dhruv, because he made all the mistakes you're not going to. He'd logged six years at his company and never once had a review. So he pushed for one, instead of just asking for a raise like a normal person.

Dhruv and the boss sat down and right from the start, Dhruv took a poke here, a punch there. He was occasionally late with a project, his boss noted and he could, at times, work better with others. Faced with this catalogue of disappointments, Dhruv couldn't even stammer out how he'd been doing the work of three people because of cutbacks, and how he'd been without a promotion for years.

The boss filled the silence: "As you know, company raises cannot exceed 12 per cent. You are doing a good job all in all, so I feel confident I can approve a 15 per cent increase for you."

A whole bunch of thoughts rushed to fill Dhruv's mind. You can take that and shove it, was the first. But he remained silent and slunk out to fight another day. To live on the same title and salary longer. And it was all his fault.

I don't want this to happen to you. So please-I beg you- follow this advice.

Rule 1:Never ask for a review

Like I said, the best review is the one you hear every morning when the boss says, "Hey, man, let's grab a cup of coffee." That tells you all you need to know. But you don't want to run away from the process, either. There are some bosses who feel that their pleasures and complaints aren't expressed well enough every day. They want to exercise that muscle on you, and you have to let them. Soak it in, and let it wash over you. Chances are you'll leave feeling a little bit aggravated, but having endured this.

Rule 2:Say very little

Reviews and appraisals remind the boss of his critical function (to be critical) and charge him with a responsibility to teach, instruct and produce change whether it's necessary or not. Don't try to address his every point. I've found it's good to say things like, "Ah, I see" and "I hear you" as much as possible. If you must respond, try, "I've been aware that you felt that way for quite a while" or "I appreciate what you're saying".

Rule 3:Agree with the disagreeable

No matter what kind of idiocy your boss is spouting, how obnoxious his observations are and how absurd or dredged up his criticisms sound, you must keep your temper in check. The illusion to maintain is that you're thoughtful and grateful for the insight you're receiving. Anything else brands you as immature and uncooperative. This can be a thorny area for proud, competitive types like you. Your natural inclination is to shout, "No! I'm not hotheaded, you fool!" Better to just nod. If you must disagree with a statement that is patently wrong, do so politely and non-defensively. So, if the boss says, "Didn't I give you a raise only last month?" it is permissible to say, "Actually, it was 2006."

Rule 4:Listen very hard to what's being said

You may be asked to make some changes based on the content of your review. If, for instance, you're kicked in the shin for being late, it may be productive to be early for a while. See? Bosses don't like to feel that these reviews are being done for their health, even if they are.

Rule 5:Listen very hard to what's being unsaid

Many bosses, unless they are angry, have trouble expressing negatives to somebody's face. Yellers in particular are surprisingly shy about it. This may lead certain bosses to couch unpleasant things in smiley wrapping paper. Conversely, there are certain tight-sphincter types who simply can't squeeze out a compliment. Again, the formality of the setting may make generosity of spirit even more trying for them. So, see "What Your Boss Is Really Telling You," below.

Rule 6:Take one good shot

You may want to save up all your ammunition for one great salvo at the end of the session. This is a crucial. It should be one part flattery, one part bravery and one part cool calculation. What are you after? A stronger relationship with the boss, a line on whether you have a chance at further growth and a raise in excess of what Guptaji is getting. Try a line like, "I've enjoyed this review, Uday (or Mr Joshi, if that's how you address him). I respect your opinion and will do everything I can to justify the confidence you have shown in me. I want you to know that I'm ambitious and want to take on more responsibilities. I'll make you see I'm capable of that kind of career growth."

And, as you leave his office with your head high, turn and say: "Oh, by the way, can I have that big fat raise I've been angling for?"