What do you do if your employer undervalues your contributions during a performance evaluation?

1 Gather Evidence

Before you challenge the evaluation, compile a list of your accomplishments and contributions that may have been overlooked. It's essential to have concrete examples that demonstrate your value. This could include successful projects you've led, times you've gone above and beyond your job description, or any additional responsibilities you've taken on. Having this information at your fingertips not only bolsters your argument but also shows that you are detail-oriented and proactive about your role in the company.

2 Stay Calm

It's natural to feel emotional if you believe your performance has been undervalued, but maintaining a calm and professional demeanor is key. Approach the conversation with your manager as an opportunity for growth and clarification. Ask for specific examples of where they feel you fell short and listen actively. This approach can help you understand their perspective and gives you the chance to address any misunderstandings or miscommunications about your performance.

3 Seek Feedback

After discussing the areas of contention, seek constructive feedback on how to improve or meet expectations. This is not only about justifying your current value but also about showing a willingness to grow and enhance your contributions moving forward. By engaging in a dialogue about your performance, you demonstrate your commitment to the role and the company, which can be a strong argument in future salary negotiations.

4 Propose Solutions

If there are valid points in the evaluation, acknowledge them and propose solutions or ways to address the issues. This shows that you are solution-oriented and willing to work on any shortcomings. It also puts you in a position to revisit the conversation later, after you've shown improvement, which could be a strategic move in negotiating a better salary or position.

5 Plan Next Steps

After the meeting, outline the next steps you will take based on the feedback received. This could involve setting new performance goals, attending professional development workshops, or taking on new projects to showcase your abilities. By doing this, you create a roadmap for your progress, which you can reference in future evaluations or salary discussions.

6 Reflect Personally

Take some time to reflect personally on the evaluation and your career goals. Sometimes, an undervalued performance may indicate a mismatch between your skills and the role or a sign that it's time to seek opportunities elsewhere where your contributions would be more appropriately recognized and rewarded. Use this as an opportunity to assess where you are in your career and where you want to go.