The Positive of a Negative Performance Review

The knee-jerk reaction people often have after receiving a negative performance review is to defensively recoil without really digesting the constructive criticism. An unfavorable evaluation is not necessarily the first step toward unemployment, especially if it's used as an opportunity to improve rather than dig in heels with resentment.

Disregard whether or not you think the poor review is warranted; the fact that your employer sees something negative about your performance is all that matters. Focus instead on what led your manager to reach that conclusion, and figure out how to keep it from happening again.

Go above and beyond what the boss recommends you do to rectify the unfavorable appraisal. Meet with your supervisor(s) to demonstrate you are taking the review seriously and will be acting on those suggestions. Ask if there are any other concerns or improvements not listed on the evaluation. Query your coworkers for their input on how to ensure a better outcome next time. Schedule follow-up meetings to get the boss's input on your progress. Listen and learn.

Seek other employment if you just cannot get past the negative review. Realize your employer is responsible for making sure every facet of workforce performance is aligned with the company's culture and that you just may not be the right fit.

Originally written for and published on eHow
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