Dear Dr. Mimi: Perplexing Performance

Dear Dr. Mimi:
Recently, my supervisor evaluated my work and emailed the evaluation to me. I scored the lowest I ever have since I joined this company. I do not know how my performance was scored or the reasons for the comments he gave. The evaluation, I believe, is inaccurate and does not reflect the work I do. This evaluation affects my raise and bonuses. How do I approach my supervisor about this unfair evaluation?
—Distraught

Dear Distraught:
First, reread the evaluation objectively. Sometimes people can be defensive to what is supposed to be constructive criticism. If you still have a problem with the evaluation, schedule a meeting with your supervisor, explaining that you received his comments and had some questions about them. During your meeting with your supervisor, ask him to explain his views and give examples from which you could learn. Ask him to offer suggestions for improvement. Perhaps ask for a re-evaluation, maybe from someone else who knows your work. Whatever the outcome, remember to not take it personally and to use the information as an opportunity to grow.
—Dr. Mimi


Leave a Reply

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Backup

    Dear Dr. Mimi,My boss favors another employee and schedules them for more shifts. We are on the same skill level and have had the same training, but I am being treated like a “backup” for them. I am afraid to bring this up to my manager for fear that they will reprimand or even fire…


  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Overworked Student

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I am a working college student, and my company is supposed to be accommodating to students’ schedules. However, my boss keeps asking me to come into work at times she knows that I have classes or study groups. I have tried to make this issue known to her, but she keeps dismissing me.…


  • Dear Dr. Mimi — Frustrated

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them?—Frustrated Dear Frustrated,It can be tricky working with new employees. If you think they are…