Around this time of year, many managers present their employees with formal annual reviews.
For many, these meetings can make employees nervous, but, when done properly and professionally, these reviews should be non-events.
Good managers will communicate with their employees THROUGHOUT the year; giving constructive feedback so employees can grow and progress in the organization and in their own careers.
Therefore, when the annual review comes around, it should simply be a documentation of the main points discussed during the last year. That’s it.
Not-so-great managers won’t actively manage their employees and will potentially use the annual review to sabotage and/or hold employees back from a promotion or a raise by first giving negative feedback during this time.
Use your annual review to gauge how you feel about your current company.
If you find yourself surprised (in a bad way) during your annual review, take it as a clear sign that your current company may no longer deserve your efforts in 2021.
Alternatively, an easy, fair review with no surprises is a good indicator of a strong manager and a positive work environment.
I worked for a large law firm. They used a 1 -5 scoring method. 3 was working at an acceptable level for the position held. 5 was for always going above and beyond acceptable for the position held. My boss demanded a 5 score in all aspect of the position to get even a nominal raise.
Your viewpoint is dead-on accurate Jeff. Effectively managing resources benefits the mission of the department and ultimately will positively impact the ROI, as well as the development and satisfaction of employees.
Well said, Jeff. I'm a huge proponent of a no-surprises review.
I was supposed to get my yearly review in July. My boss said due to COVID he was pushing everyone 3 months out. (Even though we were only closed 2 months.) October came and went so I asked him in November when will he be doing my review. He said he was behind on reviews. Come November 30th he announced his retirement and selling of his practice at the end of the day and introduced our new boss 30 minutes later when she showed up. Total shocker to all his employees. So needless to say, no review and no raise this year. How do I approach him to ask him why he treated me this way? He’s still in the office helping the transition. I’m a hard worker and feel I deserve the respect of a review. I don’t even care if he was giving me a raise or not. Any advice? Thanks.