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What does this mean?
Wow! I just had the worst annual review. My boss brought up things that he had an opportunity, weekly, to course correct but did not, instead choosing to ding me on my review. Then, at the end of our conversation about it, he asks, "Why do you continue to stay here?"
Thoughts? This all strikes me as odd.
Hannah W
MBA student, data science concentration
23
07/29/20 at 8:19PM UTC
I feel like more information is needed to properly assess how to interpret what your boss has said. Overall, how was your performance during the year and what did your employer do to make the transition during Covid/quarantine easier? While I do agree your boss should have been more proactive in correcting issues and coaching you in the moment, did you ever ask them if there was anything you need to improve on or weren't doing? The question he asked at the end does seem odd and a little offensive, but what if he's sensing burnout from you and more so encouraging you to find a job/position you would enjoy more?
Kristine S
47
07/29/20 at 12:38PM UTC (Edited)
Pathetic performance on the part of your boss. Just unimaginably bad. Time to play defense as mentioned in other comments (document in writing, followup on the review, etc.) while you consider your options.
Geetanjali TonpeMedical Writer in India
17
07/28/20 at 11:16PM UTC
I’m sorry about your personal loss. That said, if your supervisor was appraised of your personal situation, he should not penalise you for something that was painful and out of your control. I agree that a follow-up conversation is best. If that doesn’t help, think hard about what the question means to you. Quitting might be the easiest thing to do. But, if you are confident of your skills and know your position in the team, fight hard and over perform, such that he has to bite his own words at your next check-in.
Brittany
45
07/28/20 at 9:07PM UTC
I agree, would recommend following up with your boss on clarification and if there are fatal flaws or things that can be worked on to improve.
Jen SalsegCandidate Advocate + Recruiter
67
07/28/20 at 8:23PM UTC
Have you considered going back to your boss and asking for further clarification? Coming back and being honest about how confused that question has made you may bring a better understanding for you as to his expectations and for him regarding your intent. "Abrupt" managers can sometimes view their message as incredibly clear without realizing they haven't put any context into the conversation. That being said, people quit managers, not their jobs so if you don't find yourself able to work with this manager it may be time to start looking elsewhere - just make sure you are the one making that decision and not the manager via his question.
Karen BergerAn innovative leader in high growth industries
74
07/28/20 at 2:50PM UTC
First off, I am sorry you had this experience. The content in a review should never be a surprise and any issues should have been discussed previously. I agree that this speaks to his lack of management and leadership skills. Have you asked him what he meant by that last comment? That might help clarify the situation for you. It is probably the time to look somewhere else. In the meantime, I would also document all of your conversations with him.
Mara FahlContent marketing professional
72
07/28/20 at 2:13PM UTC
I completely agree with Jackie, this is a reflection on his management skills not your capabilities. A good manager takes the time to regularly develop and improve their reports, as opposed to waiting a year (!) to dump on them. Even if he's not overtly saying that you should look for a new job, I'd highly suggest doing so anyway because you deserve to have a manager who supports you, not sets you up for a fall.
Jackie GhedineCoach for Gen X Women | Jack Russell of Humans
5.8k
07/28/20 at 12:31PM UTC
The way I read this situation is that he isn't able to manage and coach people to be high performers and probably is very uncomfortable doing so which is why he waited until the review to mention any improvements you need to make. He won't change, so even if you do, you won't know where you stand. Start the investigation process of seeking a new job, it will also make you feel less 'trapped.' Good luck.
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