Let's Get Brainwashed.

Today I had my annual performance review. It was unexpected. I was scheduled to have my weekly meeting with my manager to talk about what I'm working on, and instead he said we were going to have my review. I was a little scared at first, because honestly I have not worked to my full potential. I thought maybe now was the time they would announce that they've been following my computer, and all my visits to websites (why did you look this up on Wikipedia? And why did you go to the New Yorker five times today?) and all the typing I did (we noticed you wrote over 50,00 words in a document. Are you writing a novel?) were now the reasons why I would be fired.

But of course that didn't happen. Instead, we went over some definitions my manager had created (or so he said): Superior, Above Average, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement, and Unsatisfactory. He defined the first three for me, and said he didn't need to go any further, since they didn't apply to me. So then I knew to relax.

I was rated on exciting things like Productivity, Accuracy & Quality of Work, Problem Solving, Attitude, Acceptance of Responsibility, Communication - Verbal (note on the word "verbal" later), Communication - Written, and Technical Knowledge.

The results?
One Satisfactory (Technical Knowledge). This is because I am new to the industry and have more to learn. But, my manager was quick to point out that this is a fine rating, and I shouldn't worry about it at all.
Five Above Averages.
Two Superiors (Attitude and Communications - Written).

We talked a little bit about the future, and he asked how the year was for me. I was general and said things were fine, but my biggest challenge (I didn't use the word frustration - remember to use "challenge" if you want to speak corporately correct) was that I was very reactive and completely dependent on other people's project. If I had my own projects, if I was driving them, I'd feel better. I mentioned how things were often delayed, and I had to scramble to find things to keep me busy. So we're going to discuss this further, and see what can be done. He would like me to do more project management, but needs permission from the project management department. This last note made me wonder if I could be possibly moved to that department. We'll see. Things change so much here, and no one has any definitive answers, so it's just best to hold on to the boat rails.

A note on verbal: technically, this word refers to spoken and written words. "Oral" is the correct, specific term to mean spoken words. Should I correct him? Haha.

A comparison to my last brainwashing place:
This was so informal. It was a Word document with paragraphs he had written. No form like my last place. Also, in the past, I was given a chance to read the review prior to the meeting, so that it went faster and so I could ask any questions. Also, previously I would sign the form and acknowledge the review, and had an opportunity to write comments. Not this time. This is it.

Next week:
Compensation! (I.e.: raise and bonus!)

Labels: performance review