I am curious about how everyone here handles feedback! I know of someone I care about who had a performance review lately and they received the following feedback and I'm curious about the advice/suggestions you would give this person so they can succeed in their role!
Needs Improvement in the Following:
  1. Poor Communication Skills - They are always successful in completing the project/task effectively, but the approach to how they do it is off.
  2. Lack of Management Skills - They haven't demonstrated they could lead a team of 3+ people. This manager was also expected to do alot of tactical work.
  3. Poor Change Management - They were not able to drive change across their department/organization because they felt they didn't have influence/authority over certain groups.
This person is really smart, they go the extra mile on every task and have good intentions. To be fair, they don't have the best leadership in their chain of command. What would your recommendation be so they can go after it the second half of this year? Any books, podcasts, mentors, or anything you would recommend? I want to help this person out because they really care and always look out for their career.
Feedback is never an easy thing to take in, even when it is well intentioned. Seems that there are a couple of things going on here. I would lay low for a few days and wait for all my emotions to settle down before I strategise about the one thing i can undertake and improve that will yield me the greatest utility. I think it can be quite mentally exhausting trying to effect change in 2-4 areas, so i will focus on just one thing so as not to spread my energy thin. Hopefully, when i make a concerted effort to improve that one thing, i will create a virtuous cycle and see an improvement in other areas as well.
It seems to me that poor communication skills may give him the most bang for his buck. Specifically, what are the weaknesses in his communication style? And how can he communicate more effectively with his colleagues?
And take it easy. I was told during my work review last year that i work in silos and need to work more collaboratively and think of win-win solutions. Feedback happens to the best of us!
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So modest, Sensei.
I agree, though, that improved communication is the place to start. There's a good chance it will help with the other two areas.
Without knowing the particular shortcomings of this person, it's hard to advise. One thing I'll note, though, is that you don't always have to come at things directly. Healthy, handsome, energetic people are perceived as more charismatic, even if they're saying the same things. As a first step, make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise.
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I agree with how employing a diagonal approach can also help soothe things. Another way is to create a niche and be so knowledgeable that your name comes to mind whenever people discuss that topic. That way, you can be a communication idiot but people will still flock to you for advice haha
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Yes. Although, that's not the best approach for someone with supervisory responsibilities.
I'd also note that being in a management position is not for everyone. I felt like I did ok at it, but sometimes it was quite trying and I'm not interested in doing it again.
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I suggest they get another job. Life is too short to work for a company that gives shitty reviews like that.
  1. Get another job
  2. Stack more Sats
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This is the right answer.
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Here in India we only do fake feedbacks! A few days ago I went for car service and after it they came up with a feedback form. I just signed it and told them to fill whatever answers they want, they can fill!
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