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1st poor performance review
Happy Valentine’s Day,
So yesterday it happened first in my federal career. Rating under a 3 which means it follows me wherever I go, no step increase in June and no cash award. I expected a lower score this year because I was checked on my professionalism. Which I have remedied by seeking EAP.
How do I get past this when I’m trying with all my being to find something where I can flourish and not be subjected to a dictatorship. Please comment I just ask you be kind because I am at a loss! I can’t quit!
K. M. 
25
02/18/20 at 2:24PM UTC
Oh my !! I had the exact thing happen to me! Received my first "poor" evaluation in 16 years working in state government. Even though I went through EAP to correct what only I could fix (nobody else was expected or told to change their behavior), I was verbally told that my score was dropped low on purpose because of what others (who made the complaints) would think. so in essence, she was trying to save face. It really hurt me because people were more focused on my reactions than the triggers (my supervisor was on FML and eventually passed away. I had consumed all of her duties with no extra help or pay and very little training. My supervisor knew I was overwhelmed, but continued to sabotage me).
After I was assigned a new supervisor, I told him about it and mentioned there was no recourse after the final discussion and sign off and would remain part of my record forever. I even tried to get help from HR while this was going on, and they were no help at all and only protected the supervisor (which my EAP counselor told me would happen). I reached out to an online support group during my stress and they mentioned I shouldn't be concerned about my review if I was going to leave the job anyway. What they didn't understand was that this review follows me. I'm also not sure how to explain this situation to a future employer without being negative and throwing my supervisor under the bus.
ROBERTA PRYORShared Services Professional.
72
02/19/20 at 7:18AM UTC
Wow K.M.,
I have a friend that was told the same thing, she was told to look at it as a learning experience. I asked her how could it be viewed as a learning experience when they clearly were setting her up for failure. For example, she adhered to her companies compliance program and didn't let someone work on her pc under her sign on and they literally told her/him that they were not interacting with their coworkers correctly.
I hope that you started to look for another job within that government entity? Government jobs are the best to have because mainly the benefits, but I wouldn't be so easy to leave the government employment. Do you have any connections that you can talk with to see if hey can get you a favor and see if you can get transferred somewhere else. You know a friend of a friend hook up?
Good luck, I checked out your profile I know you will bounce back real quick.
K. M.
25
02/20/20 at 12:43AM UTC (Edited)
Thanks for responding. I have been looking but not applying hard anywhere. Unfortunately, my chances of moving around the company are slim due to lower pay budgets in other areas, longer commute, or opportunities being blocked. The culture has gotten really bad and so many people have retired or quit just to get away. I have been talking with people I trust that have insight into other employers. The advice they give me has been helpful. I hope to find a better place to work real soon with a great culture, support for growth, and pay consistent with my education, skills and experience. I don't expect perfection with any employer, but I want to work where I feel my contributions are valued.
ROBERTA PRYORShared Services Professional.
72
02/20/20 at 5:42AM UTC
K.M.,
I'm glad to read that you have a back up plan. Keep your eyes open for a post from me soon. A friend of mines is currently going through publishing some things that everyone one this site could probably identify with.
Looking for feedback or assistance on anything, let me know.
Anonymous
02/18/20 at 10:47PM UTC
Good evening K. M.,
All we can say we is that we had a bad year even if it’s not 100% the case. After all it’s our first and only under par review in years. That’s what I’m planning on saying if my next interviewer requires the rating. It’s unfortunate however as you already know we can’t bad mouth a former employer as we would like we can’t get along with others. Let’s you and I rise above and hold our head up high as that’s all we can do. I wish you the best and thank you for taking the time to write me.
K. M.
25
02/20/20 at 12:41AM UTC
Thanks for responding. Even though I've been hurt by this experience, and don't agree with the evaluation, I still try to maintain a positive relationship with my previous supervisor. This review shouldn't (I hope!) create a huge blemish on my entire career there when all my other reviews have been stellar. I've also had great reviews and coaching from my current supervisor, and positive feedback from others on the team. This alone let's me know that this was all circumstantial and personal, and they assured me I was doing a great job.
ROBERTA PRYORShared Services Professional.
72
02/18/20 at 6:34AM UTC
Dear Anonymous,
I'm sorry to read what you experienced and your right as long as your in that position that poor review will follow you while your employed at that company.
I remember a former coworker of mines experienced the same thing. However, it was confirmed that her boss wanted her out of the department in a big way. You can consider the review a lesson, or you can start to evaluate your options within that department or company.
EAP is an excellent resources however, keep in mind that they are essentially not really helpful. I'm sorry to write that but it's true. Everyone's situation is different, so you have to weigh your options again.
You can look into updating your resume as well. I wish I had more information for you. Good luck, i'm sure it will work out for you.
Anonymous
02/18/20 at 10:47PM UTC
Thank you
Anonymous
02/18/20 at 12:32AM UTC
Thank you
User deleted comment on 02/18/20 at 12:32AM UTC
Marie NCertified Dementia Care Provider/Life Coach.
112
02/17/20 at 10:18PM UTC
As someone who had a few up/down performance reviews in her career I can relate. Your review should have indicated exactly why you received the scores you did. If it did not, then you can always think about a rebuttal which would contains data and facts. You indicated you expected a low review so you knew there were a few issues. I am glad you are working with an EAP counselor and that will go a long way to helping you and planning for the future. I will admit that your words, "How do I get past this when I’m trying with all my being to find something where I can flourish and not be subjected to a dictatorship." thew me a bit. It seems as if you may not have been happy in this job for a while. I believe most of us have ups/downs at one point or another, but it's how we move forward with professionalism and skills to show you are valuable to the staff. Good Luck!
Anonymous
02/18/20 at 10:48PM UTC
Thank you
User deleted comment on 02/18/20 at 12:31AM UTC
Anonymous
02/17/20 at 5:17PM UTC
Yes, call your union! This is exactly why they exist. I used to work for the largest federal union in the country and saw this all the time.
Many people ignore disciplinary things that pop up because they “don’t agree with it” but the reality is, that doesn’t make it go away. It will have an impact on your career if you don’t address it in a formal setting.
Wish you luck!
Anonymous
02/17/20 at 5:26PM UTC
Hi, I’m not in the union.
Indira Mohan
13
02/19/20 at 10:24PM UTC
Hi,
First, I didn’t mean to post my union comment anonymously because I think it’s important that you have the information from a reliable source that you can identify.
Next, I’m sorry to hear that you’re not in the union. The short version is if you don’t have a union you are an at will employee and your employer can discipline/terminate you at any time with or without cause as long as it’s not for discriminatory reasons (think Title VII ~ race, gender, religion, etc.). If you would like to respond to anything that’s in your file you can feel free to do so, but the harsh reality is that it is most effective when it is supported by a union, a collective bargaining agreement, and a negotiated grievance procedure.
Without delving too much into it, if you are in a union position but not paying union dues I would still make it a point to talk to the union. They may be able to still provide guidance, though in general my advice is if you’re covered by a union contract I would highly recommend paying dues so that you receive the full benefit & protection allotted to you under the contract.
If you are in a non-union position (supervisor/confidential employee/ there’s no union in your department or worksite), I would seek out somebody in the union that you have a good working relationship with and seek their advice; even if it’s a different department/building/location/federal agency.
I used to work for the largest Federal Union in the country so I know we exist in many places even if we don’t cover every title.
There are also select situation where the law protects you whether there is a union or not. One example is if you are exposing unethical/illegal behaviors (i.e. sexual harassment, wage theft, etc), and discipline begins as a result, you may have some protection under Whistleblower laws. I didn’t gather this applied based on what you shared, but either way I hope this will be of use in your career.
Hope this helps a little more, I’d be happy to answer any other questions either on here or off line, just let me know :)
Anonymous
02/20/20 at 12:57AM UTC
Thank you Indira. Have a wonderful evening.
Anonymous
02/17/20 at 2:55PM UTC
Dear Anon,
I understand this is an extremely difficult time for you. Do your benefit include Ginger (this is a coaching program provided by some organizations where you can work with psychologist coaches on emotional/behavior issues and can be very helpful getting you to cope and look at things differently, plan you steps, etc. If so, I highly recommend trying this. If not, find people outside of work that you can spend time with that will lift you up and make you feel good. Perhaps look for a side gig that you can do while you look for a new position, as it sounds to me like it's time to move on.
wishing you the best,
L.M.
Anonymous
02/17/20 at 5:24PM UTC
I have EAP. I will google Ginger now. I’ve been alienating myself as I don’t feel I’m good company lately. My problem is so insignificant compared to what others are struggling with.
I do have family support and have two friends from back home who listen.
Anonymous
02/17/20 at 1:39PM UTC
See your union rep, even if it’s off hours!! I had a similar situation... big boss had crossed lines (massive EEO violations) when I was up for a promotion, got personal info on me. Gave me the job, but then tried to push me out. Very crafty. Turns out the union had an ongoing investigation on her, and I was only one of many complainants. Best thing I ever did to contact the union (and I’m typically a star performer/teachers pet ... no prior history of issues). They help when your job is on the line, and will be able to identify if you have a grievance. I transferred, my new boss loves me, and my entire chain of command is protecting me as well as the union.
Kelly HarveyLicensed Professional Counselor
75
02/17/20 at 1:25PM UTC
Dear Anon,
I am going to take a different tack, and I do mean it kindly. In my work, I see many people, and my job is helping them take a look at themselves, and take responsibility where necessary. While it does sound as if you were blindsided by your review, I would like you to consider if there is any part of the situation that you need to take ownership of. Sometimes, when we are working in an environment where boundaries between friendship and supervision get blurry, lines can be crossed without clear awareness of doing so. I have seen this in the form of liberties with time, or failure to hold boundaries around personal information, or keeping emotions at bay while at work.
It's understandable, on one hand. This is the person we are laughing and joking with over Sunday brunch, but they are also responsible for making sure that our reports are in on time, and that we are working at the same level as our peers.
Is it possible that your friend/supervisor experienced pressure for showing favoritism toward you?
Is it possible that you inadvertently allowed the boundaries to slide in any fashion?
If so, you have the opportunity to correct the situation and stay in what sounds like it has been a good job for a long time. Both of you have been put in an awkward position, but if this has been the situation, some increased awareness could lead to a correction, and clear the air.
If this is not the situation, take my thoughts and discard them as not applying to you.
Anonymous
02/17/20 at 1:38PM UTC
Thank you
LEANNE TOBIASInvestment real estate/sustainability
4.1k
02/16/20 at 8:14PM UTC
Thanks for answering these questions.
I’m sorry that you are going through this.
*Definitely look for another job— your health and well-being are not served by working in such a stressful environment.* You deserve to be treated well and to work in a better environment.
In order to cope with the environment in your current job:
-Be especially efficient, calm and polite with your co-workers, clients and managers.
-Make any formal complaints necessary to HR or a union (if you have one), but do not vent in the office or to colleagues. Remain relentlessly polite and upbeat. You do not want to be a source of conflict or drama.
-If you need to vent, do so to EAP or in a personal journal, kept off-site.
-Keep a second diary, again off-site, documenting your successes and any harassment you experience. This account should be factual to defend/explain your conduct and document any harassment your manager has committed.
-A good book on how to behave is Mobbed! by Janice Harper, available online.
For yourself:
-Focus on finding a new job and on being happy outside work.
-Focus on friends and interests outside the office.
-Be meticulous in keeping a good diet, sleep and exercise.
-Make your evenings and weekends as happy as possible. Don’t let the office stress control your life. I use the following rule: “The worse the day, the better the evening.”
-If you need to vent (who doesn’t?) can your EAP or a trusted friend fill this role?
-Can your EAP provide counseling for coping with the stress you are under, if they are not already doing so?
The upside that I see in your situation is that you have been with your agency for 10 years and this is your first and only poor review. You can certainly argue that it is an aberration, and make the necessary corrections.
The larger problem is that you are not being supported by your manager. Please do everything you can to find a new job where you will be treated well.
Anonymous
02/16/20 at 9:58PM UTC
Thank you so very much ? for your response and suggestions. I spent the entire weekend online researching and planning on my next steps. I’m going to hold myself accountable to you that I will remain calm, cool and collected and rise above this dark cloud.
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