Alice McFlurry Mar 23, 2023

Boss: Why is your work only 80% complete?

Me: Oh, yes! There’s a very good explanation for that.

In my last performance review, you noted that I was exceeding all expectations, but that you were only giving me a 4 out of 5 because you “never give 5s” because “there’s always room for improvement.”

As a result, I’ve taken the initiative to deliver at 4/5 capacity to ensure I’m performing according to your expectations.

As we’ve already established, I’m easily capable of performing at and above 100%, so please let me know once you’ve adjusted my performance rating to a 5 and I will adjust my performance accordingly.

Show threadPeteMar 23, 2023
@Alice Performance reviews based on ratings are such BS because they almost always fail to measure the effect of the individual on the team. An individual can be only average at best at meeting their own goals, but can be the very glue that holds the whole team together.
Show threadAlice McFlurry Mar 23, 2023
@98Percent
On the other hand, the worst person on the team is often the one who always wants to be praised and rewarded for any minor contribution, and when it comes time for company awards, they’re often nominated by the manager because “they need the encouragement and you don’t.”
Show threadPete
@Alice Exactly. Some of the worst colleagues i have had in my career have been top achievers on an individual basis without contributing anything to the team’s performance. Alpha males, mostly. But this trait is not limited to males only, unfortunately.
Mar 23, 2023 at 11:20pmWeb