Where to go From Here

Question

I have been in the business side of healthcare for over 30 years.  I love the industry and migrated from the insurance payer side to the provider side a number of years ago.  I have a PASSION for helping providers work through the 'muck and mire' of being paid for what they do.  Currently, I am in a position that I 'sort of' like and was thoroughly encouraged when a new director was hired last year.  We meshed together really well and I felt that I had alot to offer her, she seemed to want to learn what I knew and I also felt that I could learn from her.  Well, several days ago, she delivered my annual performance evaluation and I was TOTALLY blind-sided, blown away, and devastated!!!  She basically said I was not providing her with the support that she needed to grown in her role in the manner in which she was expected.  Mind you, I did not get a preview of the evaluation before the call and her Chief was also on the call (I previously reported to her).  They blasted me with all my inadequacies and gave examples for which I had contradicting perspective and the call ended with me totally devastated, feeling unworthy and embarrassed.  I did call her out for the fact that she has NEVER ONCE mentioned that there were problems with my performance!!!!  I truly believe that her performance evaluation was not a good one (knowing her direct manager) and I became the excuse and scapegoat for her lack of performance!!!  And it just so happens that she called and left me a voicemail two days later checking in on me and saying that she was thankful that I called her out for the lack of prior communication in order to help her be a better manager!  I am so totally devastated and that is just the current story at this organization and I could probably write a book about the craziness but I don't want to bore you all!  I am currently actively looking for another position, but my challenge is that I probably only have another 6 years before I can retire so that I feel as though when someone finds out my experience and does the 'calculation', they will discount me or feel that they don't want to pay for what I have to offer.  I am well educated and have a very diverse set of skills and experience/knowledge.  Posting this to get feedback and thoughts.  Thank you for 'listening'.

Stephanie King · Answer

Hi Anonymous! Your performance review sounds like quite the unexpected rollercoaster and I would feel exactly the same way. It’s great that you’re looking to move somewhere else where your vast knowledge will be appreciated. I wouldn’t worry about what people will think or calculate based on your age... trying to play clairvoyant is usually a way to get in our own way. I would focus on your skills, contributions, and potential and I’m confident the right fit will come along soon enough. All the best!

Diana Sparacin · Answer

Hi Anonymous,

Yes, you are right to feel upset about receiving a performance review like this when nothing was said all year. At most companies management is required to tell you at least quarterly if your performance is not up to par or if there is an issue. You must be given time to make an adjustment in what you're doing. Otherwise, this is not OK.

I would also suggest that going forward that you be proactive and schedule periodic check-ins with your manager (whoever they are) to make sure you know what their priorities are, that you are meeting their expectations, know what to work on so that you are never blindsided again. Yes, this should be a 2-way street. If they are skipping out on your 1x1s, cancelling at the last minute or are no-shows, or only giving you 5 minutes of their time when they do show up, this is a big red flag.

I'd also encourage you to talk with someone who is not in your management chain that you respect who can help you navigate the politics of your company appropriately, assuming you want this addressed or your review to be revised.  Yes, you can turn this around and improve the relationship with your current manager, but it will take time and effort on your part. Been there, done that. But, only you can decide what is right for you given the situation. Have a great week and let us know how things are going.

Anne M. Miles · Answer

Hi Anonymous - There has been really good advice given on this post and I'm glad to see the support and your most recent response on 10/23/2020.  Here is my take on your situation.

You have a seriously good skillset in healthcare operations. This skillset will be appreciated by other organizations. The years of experience you have will be an asset.

It is so hard to keep things in perspective when faced with a toxic work environment. For those of us who treat others as we want to be treated and work hard at our roles, when experiencing the types of things you have, we question our own abilities and try to figure out what we can do better. It is not you. The longer we stay in these situations, the more it steals our confidence and joy. Write down a list of your accomplishments and refer to them. Remind yourself that it is not you, it is them.

Good luck with your plan!

Jackie Ghedine · Answer

That performance review is a reflection of your boss and not of. you. If your boss was doing her job you would have known exactly what to expect on your review. Reviews should not have any surprises.

In an effort to manage your manager, start by scheduling weekly one-on-ones where you can get an outline from your boss of her expectations of you for the week.

You said something interesting about discounting you and not wanting to pay for your expertise.  I want to make sure you don't lean on this 'story' that you've created.

The fact is: You have great experience and are well-educated. 
The story is: No one wants to pay for your experience.

The fact is: You've been successful and know how to bring benefit to an organization.
The story is: You are over qualified for the jobs you're going to look into getting.

The point is, when we take these stories as our truths they lead our decisions, bog down our minds and unfortunately change the success we have.

Good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you all so much for the suggestions and the words of encouragement.  Ironically, I have been having bi-weekly 1/1 meetings with my director and there has never been mention of my deficiencies from her in the past year.  I work for a large academic medical practice and have been there for almost 9 years.  My role actually encompasses many roles - managed care contracting, government and commercial payer quality reporting, relationship management with the payers, and Privacy Officer.

Several years ago, the woman who hired me decided to work toward retirement and had hired someone as a replacement for the majority of her role and at that time she decided I should report to someone else (thank God--he bombed out and they went back to having to interview for that role again.) The person I was 'assigned to'  had no idea what I really did and had his sights on being CEO which he ultimately became several months later.  I was then passed on to someone whom I had worked with and liked--she had given her notice but then a month or so later decided she wanted to stay.  To say her total demeanor changed is an UNDERSTATEMENT!  She was Chief Counsel and there were two other lawyers with whom she was very tight---well within 1 year, both of her 'buddies' have left the organization and I strongly believe it is due to the change in her---she is now Chief of Staff (whatever that means in a medical practice).  I've learned you had better never do anything that she perceives makes her look bad or you will pay and I also believe that is where I am at right now.  She is all about appearances and power and she is the direct report of my director.

I have been out on pre-planned PTO this week and have been job searching and making notes on the conversation I plan to have with my director.  Before I went out, I let her know that I wanted to schedule something for the week I am back at work to discuss and make a plan.  It has been unnerving, shattering to my ego and embarrassing for me and I no longer trust her which disturbs me greatly since I thought she was someone I could trust and who would have my back (not anymore).

As you can see---that is just some of the craziness I've dealt with over the years I've been there and sometimes I feel like a rookie, though I've been around for some time I guess there is always someone who can still amaze you and make you just shake our head!

Since I've made some notes, I feel somewhat better and ready to deal with whatever the fallout is of this latest 'crazy'  Since I am a firm believer in 'everything happens for a reason', so I  remind myself of this regularly so that I can keep my head up, have faith and forge on!

I'll keep you posted!

Mary Angela Baker · Answer

Yes, get 1:1 scheduled meetings with your boss and develop a communication plan with her. Ensure that the communication is not only you reporting up to her, but that she's providing feedback to you. As always, document, document, document. You should be reaching out your champions at your organization to help you navigate the organization’s political process, especially if you are experiencing its craziness. You haven't mentioned how large your organization is, or the possibility of transferring to another department. If it is a possibility, your champions can help with that. For your own personal benefit, I would find out from your champions what your “reputation” or “brand” is at the organization.

Finally, please consider your experience and skills as strengths, and please don’t consider your age as a negative. As the last several months have shown us, we don’t know what the future holds. Experience and skills are very much an asset and needed right now.

Elena · Answer

I have no advice. I can empathize with the situation with the annual review.  My supervisor gave me a horrible review. The good things she put on there were contradicted with lies. 
When I called her out on it, she made more lies. And I was told I was not allowed to talk about the past! 
I could go on too!
I actually like hearing others experiences. I find validation when I hear others have similar nightmarish management. Otherwise, I get stuck thinking it’s just me! My supervisor has lost money, wasted time, and is so unprofessional!

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