Annual Performance Review Nonsense

[Lisa99]

Target, it's great that your company does tuition reimbursement, but for me school is just more w*rk!

When I finally retire I can't imagine why I would need any of my current certifications, so think I'll pass on the additional education...the only education I'm looking forward to after retirement is learning how to mix the perfect margarita and learning how to lie in my hammock drinking said margarita without falling out!

 

[Tractor guy]

I think I'm going to be an odd man out here who found the reviews done at my megacorp as fair as humanly possible. IMOP, they were like Churchill's comments on democracy. A horrible system but still better than anything else we could think of. We tried very hard to reward the best performers and withhold reward from the worst. For the most part, I think we succeeded.

As several other posters have mentioned, there was a top down mandated quota that didn't allow us to give everybody the best ratings. There was also significant difference in potential raises between the highest and the "meets expectations" ratings. This led to a lot of painful (for me) discussions with my employees on why "meets expectations" meant that you were doing a good job, but we thought you were being paid fairly and your raise might only be a cost of living increase. Generally I also tried to make the point that they needed to take on more risk in order to get a better rating.

Sitting on the manager side of the table opened my eyes to a lot of important parts of the process that I didn't understand until I got there. Some of the things were:
1) It is very difficult for any manager to justify an "exceeds expectations" rating unless some of his peers have also seen the good work. In my departments, we had a quota that was met for the division. The division manager would give the high ratings to the people that were supported by multiple supervisors. It helped a lot if he knew about the project and the individual's contribution. It was more difficult to justify it for a person that noone else knew. This was even more true for the highest rating (unofficially known as walks on water without breaking a sweat). For these, a VP had to know about the project and the individual's accomplishments.
2) Where you work is important. If you are working on a high visibility, fast tracked, favorite initiative of the CEO, you will tend to get rewarded better than if you are doing routine maintenance work that is needed but isn't sexy. Of course visibility also carries some risk. I know several people who's career hit a dead end because of one poorly thought out comment that was made in the presence of the brass.
3) How hard you worked isn't the most important factor (although it matters). Results are the determinator. Luck can be a factor although most of my highest rated employees were good at making preparation and good judgement look like luck.

At the end of the day, risk and reward are highly correlated in the workplace just like they are in investing or anything else. Hard working people who don't want to risk making waves or moving to a job that is outside their comfort zone are not going to get the rewards their talents may deserve.

Lorne

 

[target2019]

Target, it's great that your company does tuition reimbursement, but for me school is just more w*rk!

When I finally retire I can't imagine why I would need any of my current certifications, so think I'll pass on the additional education...the only education I'm looking forward to after retirement is learning how to mix the perfect margarita and learning how to lie in my hammock drinking said margarita without falling out!

Yes, I realize I am quite lucky to find myself at a company with tuition reimbursement. But the curriculum does have to meet some semblance of relevance to your company's product or service.

I am pretty sure I could play each day for a few months when partially retired. The problem is the really nice temp wages that are paid in my industry. Perhaps that will go away, but I do see it would help emotionally once we move away. I've taught college too, and it seems the masters will get me back in the race for that pursuit.

 

[SJ1_]

..

I informed my manager that Friday is my last working day for the year. Since there is no benefit in 'above and beyond' I'm not about to lose vacation days!

Me to! Leave at noon, back in Jan. Then 26 weeks till I can get the Pension
Plan to take a little vacation along the way
Enjoy

 

[deserat]

Target, it's great that your company does tuition reimbursement, but for me school is just more w*rk!

When I finally retire I can't imagine why I would need any of my current certifications, so think I'll pass on the additional education...the only education I'm looking forward to after retirement is learning how to mix the perfect margarita and learning how to lie in my hammock drinking said margarita without falling out!

Let us know the recipe when you've got it perfected! As for the hammock - YMMV and depends on the person....

OT: I have worked many places and am now self-employed. I was usually one of the more highly rated employees, and did work at a place that used the 360 system - I could see how that would be a game - however, I was more philosophical about it and realized it was difficult on all involved and tried not to take the ratings personally. I was usually focused on just making sure I did a good job and met the commitments I had made to my peers and customers - the rest was gravy. But then if you are living below your means and focusing on a goal outside of the work rating, the rating becomes less important in the overall scheme of things. And if emotionally/mentally you are really not happy, then odds are your employer isn't either and it's a signal that you should probably find something else to do.

I am also in the military Reserves and those year end appraisals are some of the biggest goat-ropes. The verbage is usually inflated and the most important thing is your ranking amongst your peers, i.e. a 'rack and stack.' It's brutal at times, but a reality of the military world....again, focusing on what is important to you and not necessarily someone else's opinion of you helps in that game as well.

Being self-employed is very different - it all comes down to what your customers think and what you charge and are paid. I've found that if they don't balk too much at your rates, then it's time to raise them Also, you can always say no to a job.....and there are ways to do it nicely: "...that's really not my area of expertise, however, I can get you in touch with someone who could help you with that project/task..." Heck, I've even done that when I was an employee.

 

[foxfirev5]

Oh yes it's that time of year again. The last two years I unexpectedly exceeded expectations. However, since I was at the top of my pay range it got me NOTHING. However I fgure I could skate into retirement with our HR policies. Underperformers are placed on probation for 6 months and then given another 6 months of final warning. If another year goes by with no improvement then they get a severence package. What's the downside? It's a joke.
Meanwhile I'll continue to pretty much do what I want. My boss calls me a couple times a year and we have one two day meeting per year. Other than that I'm free to travel and work with customers on my own schedule. Have fun, stay focused on the positive and ignore the corporate crap.

 

[target2019]

Being self-employed is very different - it all comes down to what your customers think and what you charge and are paid. I've found that if they don't balk too much at your rates, then it's time to raise them Also, you can always say no to a job.....and there are ways to do it nicely: "...that's really not my area of expertise, however, I can get you in touch with someone who could help you with that project/task..." Heck, I've even done that when I was an employee.

I interjected tuition reimbursement as one idea to move beyond the PRS system and get additional satisfaction. Even better is deserat's self-employment concept. On my day off from megacorp, I supported a client for 3 hours. That is the equivalent of my daily rate at megacorp, and I was home in time for a pre-dinner nap!

 

[pimpmyretirement]

My review went quite well this year. They usually do. I know the secret.

I find out what people with the money reward, and I give it to them. Whatever my notions of good performance are, they don't matter. The perceptions of the people that control the money are all that matter.

People will whine about "politics are BS" and "management just doesn't get". My response is - so what? They have what I want, I am going to understand what they value, and make sure we trade fairly. The work they won't value, even if I think they need it, I am not gonna do! I would rather put in some overtime making spreadsheets than go to a holiday party, but partying pays a heck of a lot better.

Then there's my ultimate backup plan... If my employer cannot provide compensation that benefits both of us, I am moving on. Done properly that means at least an immediate 10% bump in salary, likely more.

Having done this twice so far, I understand the day I walk out the door, everything I worked on is gone - *poof*. I never really owned it. It makes the mercanary approach much easier to stomach.

This all sounds cynical and self serving, but the behavior that results seems to make everyone I work with happy. Go figure.

 

[Brett_Cameron]

I retired just as the mid-year performance reviews were due. In our staff meeting, my boss talked about when the self appraisal portions were due. I asked if he needed one from me since I was going to retire and he said "no, unless you need it for your next job". They never believed that I was really retiring and not just moving to another job. It was beyond their comprehension.

 

[pimpmyretirement]

Today my politics based approach to career management was reinforced futher. My wife had a 33% raise and 2 level promotion in July. She survived a re-org induced round of lay offs in December. Unprompted, as part of the reorg, she was just promoted 2 more levels and recieved another 10% raise.

She is at the bottom end of the level and payscale for her new position. This means lots of opportunity for more $$$$$ and promotions. She did not apply for or request the new position, just gets her work done and actively manages her reputation. She is now "peering" with people having substantially more experience than her, who do "whatever it takes" to get the job done.

@#$% hard work to get ahead. Just @#$% it.

 

[Lisa99]

Today my politics based approach to career management was reinforced futher. My wife had a 33% raise and 2 level promotion in July. She survived a re-org induced round of lay offs in December. Unprompted, as part of the reorg, she was just promoted 2 more levels and recieved another 10% raise.

She is at the bottom end of the level and payscale for her new position. This means lots of opportunity for more $$$$$ and promotions. She did not apply for or request the new position, just gets her work done and actively manages her reputation. She is now "peering" with people having substantially more experience than her, who do "whatever it takes" to get the job done.

@#$% hard work to get ahead. Just @#$% it.

Is she in a private company?

In my megacorp regardless of how hard you work or who you politically align with anything more than a 5% raise is not possible. We also don't get automatic raises for climbing the corporate ladder. More work, same pay...

The only way to get a huge increase in my industry is to have a skill coveted by a competing company.

 

[target2019]

Just to reinforce the benefits of continuing self-employment business on the side while working full-time, I offer one small experience that happened today. I had to sit down with two bosses and look at my raise. I'm being passed back from my 5th megacorp boss to 4th boss. Both are nice guys, and I understand their position. They even extended some carrots, such as working overtime and getting comp time in return.

Their problem is that the raise for one year presented to me was was about 2X's the amount of a consulting check I had in my pocket for 2 days work. When you work at something you truly enjoy and get well paid for, it really helps to cushion some of the corporate pain.

 

[Amethyst]

My big "bonus" for outstanding performance was less than 1% of my salary, and as a Federal employee, my pay has been frozen for 2 years anyway. I am not allowed to earn overtime.

Not much of an incentive to knock myself out.

Amethyst

Just to reinforce the benefits of continuing self-employment business on the side while working full-time, I offer one small experience that happened today. I had to sit down with two bosses and look at my raise. I'm being passed back from my 5th megacorp boss to 4th boss. Both are nice guys, and I understand their position. They even extended some carrots, such as working overtime and getting comp time in return.

Their problem is that the raise for one year presented to me was was about 2X's the amount of a consulting check I had in my pocket for 2 days work. When you work at something you truly enjoy and get well paid for, it really helps to cushion some of the corporate pain.

 

[Ron0731]

My big "bonus" for outstanding performance was less than 1% of my salary, and as a Federal employee, my pay has been frozen for 2 years anyway. I am not allowed to earn overtime.

Not much of an incentive to knock myself out.

Amethyst

I feel your pain, as a state employee, I have had one annual increase in the past 10 years and that was a 1% increase, managers got no increases while our union employees got a raise every year and far surpassed our salaries.

 

[web_diva]

boy, sure wish i could ditch and switch like someone mentioned above. with a 401k match the best i have seen and a company funded pension and a raise of 3-5% per year, i am stuck like glue. i just don't think i can equal the total package anywhere else in the industry. pension is gone for new hires (measly couple extra 401k points instead) and if you leave of your own accord and want to come back later, it will not be reinstated. and the fun Jack Welsch-style performance appraisals and 1-5 buckets remain fun. we do it twice a year

 

[brewer12345]

My big "bonus" for outstanding performance was less than 1% of my salary, and as a Federal employee, my pay has been frozen for 2 years anyway. I am not allowed to earn overtime.

Not much of an incentive to knock myself out.

Amethyst

I feel your pain. I am definately in an organization where the incentives are to sit back, relax and feel your ass grow.

 

[Brat]

The only think I can say is at least you have a job (private industry or govt) but if other opportunities arise make a change.

 

[target2019]

My big "bonus" for outstanding performance was less than 1% of my salary, and as a Federal employee, my pay has been frozen for 2 years anyway. I am not allowed to earn overtime.

Not much of an incentive to knock myself out.

Govies are my customer in the full-time job, so I understand the lack of incentive. I do envy the TSP plan you have (I think you have), and the paid leave. Some federal agencies are back on tuition reimbursement after a time out on that, I think.

Our tuition reimbursement was cut by 25% per year, but that will not affect me, fortunately. I'll get my degree courtesy of megacorp, and I feel real lucky to have that opportunity.

So, some things to be cheerful about for all employed persons. My primary point was that if you have something else, it feels good to focus on the something else.

For some reason, the more consulting work I decline, the deeper I get involved with the consulting work. It is really a mixed bag, as much of my free time is used up. So long as I keep lovin' it, I will be ok.

 

[target2019]

boy, sure wish i could ditch and switch like someone mentioned above. with a 401k match the best i have seen and a company funded pension and a raise of 3-5% per year, i am stuck like glue. i just don't think i can equal the total package anywhere else in the industry. pension is gone for new hires (measly couple extra 401k points instead) and if you leave of your own accord and want to come back later, it will not be reinstated. and the fun Jack Welsch-style performance appraisals and 1-5 buckets remain fun. we do it twice a year

Last year I got bucket #2. This year I got bucket #3, as in most years previous. I call it the Bucket of Mediocrity.

This year we are going from 5 buckets to 4 buckets. And we will look in the buckets twice a year.

A really sad thing is that people who got bucket #4 found it was bone dry.

 

[foxfirev5]

Had one more annual review this week. Got what I wanted - A middle of the pack employee however I am highly appreciated and regarded by upper management. Translation - man your never going to see another raise but we'll keep you around forever if you want. One hour of my life for a year of freedom.

 

[Amethyst]

Well, the pressure to perform is actually quite high, lately - everything has to be done yesterday. Throughout my career, I was always Ms. "Not good enough? I will work harder," but that seems silly now. I am looking for a spot where I can work less hard, and nobody will notice!

Amethyst

I feel your pain. I am definately in an organization where the incentives are to sit back, relax and feel your ass grow.

 

[Aiming_4_55]

I hear your pain on the merit side.

Most folks are working 50 - 60 hours per week. The avg merit raise is 1% with the past 2 years being flat. I told my boss, I'm on the 45 hour week program or else I'll get sick

I'm almost ready to move into contract/temp type work for hourly pay and boss is getting the hint.

 

[Redbugdave]

One of my friends emailed me this several years ago. I occasionally re-read it to keep things in perspective. And now I am passing it on to you...

"Many people wonder what basis is used to determine promotions and merit increases at Fortune 500 companies. Read carefully if you're still employed and striving for advancement. What follows will also assist those who do not wish to advance their careers but are interested in continuing their health benefits and salary increases with a minimum of stress and "face time." This wisdom applies to most industries. Large companies are similar to the military or the Federal government; if you're successful in one branch you'll likely be successful in another.

* All large companies systematically classify employees in a similar manner. Working within the confines of a large organization produces a clone that can go from company to company and not know the difference. Your boss protects himself first, examines you for compliance, and never reveals all the information necessary to complete an assignment nor fully delegates authority.

* All is not on a merit basis. Review awards, promotions, work assignments and analyze the reasons for the final decisions. Specifically analyze why merit did not receive the just reward.

* Being right is not always sufficient. Recall past proposals not approved even though all facts confirmed ratification.

* Most employees are ranked as: show horses, work horses, or horse's behinds. Discern which category routinely collects the rewards. Yes: show horses.

* Historically companies assume that the "corporate heros" are those that arrive early, leave late, and appear to be hard at work. In truth, many are poorly organized or spending time on the wrong things. Measuring results requires more attention on the part of management - not the number of hours put in but what gets results. Again - show horses usually place first in this game.

* Face Time. What is this? Why is it necessary to be seen at in the office at unusual hours, or attend functions where no decisions or business discussions are taking place. Again, show horses excel at this sport.

* Spend part of each day in idleness. Many either work too hard or are worked too hard, for no purpose but someone elses' gain.

* Review how managers administer their personal assets. Does your boss favor an annuity or a lump sum payoff? Insights on administration of personal assets reveal the type of person you must manage, pilot, or be manipulated by. Do not bring bold proposals to leaders who find it difficult to manage their own finances.

* Do not seek additional work assignments from a boss who continuously red pencils all your proposals. Spend your free time between the red pencil sessions working on your personal investments or career enhancement.

* An old South American saying; "the devil knows more from age than being the devil". This is very applicable to young astronauts seeking career guidance. If definition required, please contact author.

* Beware of bosses who call meetings at 4 pm or on Saturday mornings. They possibly do not enjoy family life, sport activities, lack a sound sex life or feel insecure.


Above advice will be helpful to career employees not hustling to break the top management sound barrier. They can watch the show with the actors playing their roles, appreciate this corporate comedy for its entertainment value, and fall back on the "don't worry - be happy" mentality."