Frequent Cancellations of Performance Evaluations: When to Speak Up

Performance evaluations are a critical component of career development, providing feedback, setting goals, and aligning your efforts with organizational objectives. However, what should you do if your boss frequently cancels or forgets your scheduled performance evaluations?

Reasons Behind Frequent Cancellations

There can be several reasons for your boss’s reluctance or forgetfulness when it comes to performance evaluations:

A) Time Management Issues

Your boss may be facing time management challenges, juggling numerous responsibilities, and struggling to allocate time for conducting performance reviews.

B) Prioritization

When it comes to scheduling, your boss may prioritize other tasks or meetings over performance evaluations, especially if they perceive these sessions as less critical.

C) Uncertainty or Discomfort

Some managers find conducting performance evaluations challenging and may avoid these sessions due to discomfort with providing feedback or discussing performance.

D) Lack of Structure

If there is no structured schedule or process for performance evaluations, these sessions can easily slip through the cracks and become neglected.

E) Organizational Changes

Changes within the organization, such as restructuring or shifts in priorities, can disrupt regular evaluation processes.

Is It Okay to Ask?

It is perfectly reasonable to inquire about when your performance evaluation will take place. Here’s how you can handle the conversation respectfully and effectively:

A) Be Direct but Polite

You can initiate the conversation with something like: “I wanted to check in about my performance evaluation. When do you think we might be able to schedule it?”

B) Express Your Interest

Frame your request in a way that shows how eager you are to receive feedback to improve your performance.

C) Choose the Right Moment

Consider bringing up this topic during a relevant conversation or in a quieter moment when your boss is less rushed.

D) Follow Up

If your boss seems uncertain, you can suggest a specific time or inquire if there is a more suitable time for both of you.

This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development and can help ensure that the evaluation eventually takes place.

When Your Manager Isn’t Conducting Your Evaluation

If it appears that your manager is not conducting your performance evaluation, consider whether this is a company-wide issue or a personal one. In larger organizations with centralized HR systems, this should be easily trackable and managed by upper management.

Signs of a Potential Problem

If you work in a smaller company or if performance evaluations are at the discretion of your manager, it may indicate that your manager does not prioritize long-term development, or they believe you and they already have a mutual understanding of your performance level.

Ensure Your Manager Knows It Matters to You

It is good advice to ensure your manager is aware that you value this feedback. Ideally, a good manager should be tracking your personal development goals and progress throughout the year, holding you accountable, and providing you with coaching and feedback.

If you are receiving such support during your work, then a formal performance review may not be as crucial unless it directly relates to your compensation.

Either way, it is important to emphasize the importance of performance evaluations to you and seek clarification if necessary.