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306 SNAKES IN SUITS
them to differences in understanding about objectives. Take advantage
of this opportunity if it is made available to you. But remember
to keep your self-evaluation focused, balanced, accurate, and succinct.
This is also a good time to reflect on your developmental
needs, and be open to hearing about them during your review.
When you receive your performance review (face to face is best)
you will be better prepared to participate in the discussion if you
have carefully reviewed your own performance. During the review
meeting, you should ask questions about points you do not understand,
correct misunderstandings, and, of course, take notes.
A well-written review should contain few generalities (such as
“John is a poor performer,” or “John is a team player”). Instead, it
should contain specific behaviors that can be repeated (if positive) or
changed (if negative), such as “John handed in the report three
weeks late” or “John’s status reports at team meetings were always accurate.”
If something on your review is not clear, ask your boss to
give you actual examples of any incidents or behaviors that are mentioned.
To the degree that your review is an accurate reflection of
your true performance, the official record will better support your
reputation for being competent and loyal.
Some performance reviews allow the employee to add written
comments or submit an addendum for inclusion in the personnel file.
Even if your review is outstanding, you should add a note. If your review
contains inaccuracies, and your boss does not want to modify
the final document, then this may be your only chance to correct the
record. Do not write something in haste. Instead, carefully write
down your view of the events in question. Make sure your note is
professional and without emotion or inflammatory language. You
may wish to have a friend read it and offer suggestions for improvement
before you send it to human resources. Should your performance,
reputation, or credibility ever be called into question, your
performance reviews are the record the company will turn to first.