Staying calm is of great personal quality. Not all people are equally calm in every situation. Staying calm gives many benefits. There are many discussions on how to stay calm in a Performance Appraisal. Performance appraisals are often stress-inducing times for both employees and supervisors. This article will be sharing some positive ways to stay calm in a Performance Appraisal.
The uncertainty of how your performance will be assessed can make you nervous and test your ability to maintain a calm demeanor, particularly if it becomes apparent that the appraisal is less favorable than you anticipated. Before you go into your supervisor’s office for your appraisal, think about how best to keep your nerves under control.
Stay calm in a Performance Appraisal
Be professional, not emotional
Stay calm. This is very hard to do when you’re listening to someone else talk about you, particularly if the appraisal turns out to be a negative one. However, remaining unemotional is the safest and most professional thing you can do. Take a deep breath, avoid nervous habits like foot-tapping or popping your knuckles and remind yourself to listen and process what you’re hearing without responding. To stay calm in a Performance Appraisal is a great way to show your personal development.
Don’t Argue instantly
Listen to what your supervisor is saying. Whether you agree or not, this is not the time to argue or raise objections. Jot down notes of the specific issues he is identifying as weaknesses or shortcomings in your job performance. You likely are emotional and tense and don’t want to risk forgetting these points later when you have calmed down and want to address them.
Think before you say
Think before you speak. When your supervisor asks for your comments, avoid defensive reactions. Calmly state the facts from your perspective. Do not address every point he has made; instead, select one or two of the problem areas your supervisor identified and ask how you can improve your performance in those areas.
Remember to start fresh
Remain courteous and professional throughout the appraisal. When you are both finished speaking, thank him for his time, whether it was a favorable or unfavorable appraisal. Take a brisk walk or go outside for a few minutes if you need to clear your head and begin digesting what your supervisor told you. Wait a few days until the initial sting of a negative appraisal has passed, then request a meeting with your boss to follow up on specific items and layout a plan for improvement.
