APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives her expert advice to a reader who has had a unexpected annual performance review.
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Q: I’ve just had my annual performance review, and my boss has completely blindsided me. I thought things were going OK, but apparently I’m “not meeting expectations”.
There were no signs I’d been underperforming in the lead-up to our meeting, and I recently received praise from a senior colleague in a different department for a project I led.
I don’t really know what to do with the information from my review, but it’s affected my bonus and will go on record.
Plus, my boss’ feedback didn’t really give much advice on how I can better meet expectations in the future. I’m feeling really unmotivated.
Do you have any advice?
Kirstie, via email
A: It’s important to have a follow-up conversation with your manager.
Let them know you’ve taken time to reflect on the feedback, and that you’d appreciate the chance to discuss it further.
Be honest about how shocked you felt, since there were no warning signs and you’d recently received positive feedback from a senior colleague.
Approach the conversation with openness and a clear goal.
Explain you’re committed to growing in your role and that you’d value more specific guidance on what “meeting expectations” looks like.
Ask for concrete examples and, if possible, collaborate on a set of objectives so you know what’s expected over the next 12 months.
Request regular quarterly informal reviews, so you can check you’re on track.
You’ve clearly been doing meaningful work, so don’t let this discourage you.
If your manager fails to give reasonable examples, request an HR meeting, explaining you don’t understand or agree with your rating and would like a more formal plan to ensure your future success.
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
