How to Protest an Unfiar Performance Review
A performance review usually takes place once a year and it can be a nerve wracking experience. There are no guarantees as to what will happen and you may find that your boss has written in your review things that you do not agree with. If this happens don't lose your temper and have a tantrum. You may just be reinforcing what your boss has said. Calmly point out that you do not agree with certain points and discuss them with your boss. If your boss will not change the review then it's time to decide whether you should protest against it.
Allow yourself some time to think. Be honest with yourself and once the smoke has cleared you maybe able to see why these items have been brought up in your review. If this is the case work to improve on your faults and hopefully the next evaluation will be better. However if you feel there is no justification for what your boss has said then do something about it. Check your employee handbook. There maybe a section in there about performance reviews and how to protest an unfair one. You could go over your boss' head to their manager however this could damage your working relationship. Unless company policy says otherwise it's best to speak to your boss and arrange a meeting between the two of you where you can discuss your review further.
Once this meeting has been arranged start doing some preparation. Make some notes and put together a structured argument for your case. Try to gather evidence. This could be signing in sheets, testimonies from co workers, receipts for your expenses. Anything that may show your boss he has got it wrong. When the appointment arrives remember that you have to be professional. Treat the meeting with importance by dressing smartly and not being late. Ask your boss for specific instances of the behaviour they are talking about and if you feel your boss is being unfair, point this out but in a calm manner.
It maybe that even after a second meeting your boss will still stick to your original performance review. If you still feel very strongly that it is wrong you may have to go to the HR department or your manager's superior. It's also worth asking your colleagues how they got on in their evaluations. If they all received negative ones, even the seemingly outstanding employees, then try not to take it so personally. Expectations differ depending on the manager and while you may not meet one boss' ideals, you may meet another.
