Performance Review

Well it was that time again. The annual performance review is always a favorite time for me. Of course I am sarcastic about this. I literally hate being evaluated by a higher up who is never in the client sessions with me, listens to the heresay of the office, and basis their opinions on some kind of secret guide or appearences in the hallway.

I had a past supervisor who based their review on keeping salaries to their minimum. Therefore every rating was on the low side. Last year, not having a boss, the regional manager of the company sat down with me and gave me high praise! I was shocked! In interacting with this person, we had from day one not only got along great, but also managed to make each other laugh constantly. So I knew that they were going to give me high marks. On this day, meeting with the new supervisor had me a little aprehensive.

At work I try to keep things light, laugh around with my fellow workers and push the edge of harrassment - knowing my limits of course. Did my antics disgust a few of the more prudish workmates? Did my easy going attitude show I wasn't professional enough? Especially with individuals in a crisis? To many folks that don't see my skills behind the closed door sessions they may take my blue jean attire, and my lengthy sessions as me trying to buddy up with people. Obviously this couldn't be further from the truth. I dress this way for a reason - to kind of blend in with the less fortunate population I serve.

So there I was seated with my supervisor, waiting for the hammer to fall. I see so many people in a year, one or two were bound to make some kind of complaint I thought. Then it started the page by page critique. What impressed me the most was their being right on the mark! I was shocked. I heard about me - the professional me, the communicating me, the helpful me, the social me, the compassionate me, the creative me. Did my supervisor have a hidden camera?

After the ups and downs of working in a difficult setting where it is literally live or die situations on a daily basis I was acknowledged. The mark of a great supervisor is letting their workers know their strengths and work on their weaknesses. And trust me, not one mention was made on my deficits which was a first. Trust me there are many and I am somebody who does appreciate the criticism. Obviously, if you knew anything about my personal life.

So the reviews are great, a raise in salary has been promised, and maybe I can afford to keep the vacation place in the desert!

May you all have great mental health.