This is going to sound very ironic - I work in Human Resources but I absolutely hate Appraisals/Performance Reviews!!! 
Just realised that not only do I have my own appraisal on Tuesday, but I also have to review the person who works for me on Wednesday. That's how much I dislike them - I forgot!
I know the theory, but I haven't yet met anyone who genuinely gets something out of their appraisal. In all my working years, and they are too many for me to admit to, I've never had an appraisal that didn't feel like a box ticking exercise. So why do we all persevere with them 
The way I tend to approach my own review is to take the defensive - if I come out with a load of negatives, a) it takes the sting out of any criticism. Ooops! shouldn't say that - I mean, contructive criticism. And, b) we spend time talking about how I'm too harsh on myself and I shouldn't put myself down so much. It's not a very good strategy and one I wouldn't really recommend. Not good if you are ambitious and want to progress up the corporate ladder. I don't and I seem to make sure I wont either.
In terms of the person who works for me. Well, it's going to be difficult. I know she tries hard, but culturally she's not in the right company. She needs a lot of structure, with clear rules about what can or can't be done. That's not the environment of the company we work for. I also know she is looking to leave as she wants to work closer to home. Something I understand only too well. I'm exactly the same. She does the basics well but that's about it. My boss would like to sack her but I don't think her behaviour/performance is that bad.
Oh well, roll on Thursday evening when I can jump into my car and drive down to Amesbury!
Although I like my boss and she has a sense of humour, it tends to disappear during appraisals. (Need to be taken seriously). Anyhow survived without having to resort to my normal strategy.
and well done for surviving. 
2008-02-17 @ 23:32