It can happen to even the most conscientious employee. Despite trying your best, you receive a negative review. Criticism can be hard to take, particularly in a business setting when you are striving for high achievement. If you have received or expect to receive a negative review, here are some suggestions to deal with the situation:


Instructions

1. Keep your emotions at bay while receiving the criticism and try to actively listen to what is being said. You will need to recall this information later.

2. Stay calm and professional. Do not become defensive or argumentative during the review.

3. Present your assessment in a calm, organized and non-confrontational manner if you can objectively process the information during the review.

4. Tell the person giving the review (whether it's your supervisor or an HR representative) that you would like time to digest the information and request a follow-up meeting to discuss the issues if you don't think the criticism is valid. A third party such as your immediate supervisor or an additional HR representative might help you make your case next time as well.

5. Use the situation as a tool to improve and grow as an employee. Tell your reviewer that you appreciate the feedback and will work to improve the areas that require attention.

6. Objectively analyze the criticism you received after the review. Is it valid? Is it something you are willing to change? Do you believe making a change will improve your performance and/or skills?

7. Implement changes to improve on the areas discussed during your review if, after analyzing the criticism, you think the assessment was valid. Remember to document the changes you are making in some way to present at your next review.

8. Decide whether you can remain in the job without making the changes if you think the criticisms are not valid. If so, you increase your chances of another negative review.

9. During your second meeting about your performance, present your arguments regarding why you believe the criticisms were invalid. Use data and results to support the argument that your performance did not deserve a negative review.

Tips & Warnings

Tread carefully when second-guessing your supervisor! You can also use the review as a tool to demonstrate your ability to take direction/criticism and improve your performance.

SOURCE: http://www.ehow.com/how_1000326_handle-negative-review-url.html