How to bounce back from a bad performance review

Going in for a scheduled review with your supervisor is always a nerve-wracking experience. No matter how prepared you are or how well you think you’re performing in your position, sometimes your review does not go as expected. What’s important is how you use the feedback you’ve been given to your advantage for professional improvement. Below are a few tips for how to bounce back if your performance review is less than stellar.

Keep calm

Just because your boss’ feedback isn’t all positive, it doesn’t mean you are on the chopping block. Keep your cool and really listen to the critiques you are given. Reviews are a chance for your superior to provide you with valuable insight into how they perceive you are doing. So, view it as a chance for you to learn and grow and don’t take it personally.

Let yourself digest

You may be somewhat surprised by a poor review so give yourself time to ruminate on exactly what was said. Let it sink in completely and then schedule a follow up with your supervisor if you feel it’s necessary. You may not have had a chance in the review to ask questions, so circle back with your boss. This will demonstrate your attentiveness to their feedback and your desire to make the necessary changes.

Record accomplishments

As you move on from your bad review don’t get discouraged. Instead, let it motivate you to knock your work out of the park. The important thing now is to not only accomplish the tasks your superior has set forth, but to also go above and beyond them. Keep a record of what you’ve completed, any positive feedback or communications you’ve encountered, and the ways you are stepping outside the box to achieve company success. Then, when it’s time for your next review, you’ll be confident going in knowing you did everything that was asked of you and more.