why do bosses have to find something wrong on an evaluation?

Question

then say "the staff" or "everyone" feels this way or even better..
this isn't the first time...but it's the first u have heard about it yourself....is it me...?

Answer 1

Because part of an evaluation is finding something for you to improve upon. And, you are entitled to have "everyone" who accused you of something come in and accuse you face to face. Nameless, spiritless "they say" comments are truly unprofessional and show only that your supervisor hasn't taken the time or initiative to oversee your work personally and has actually relied upon other people to do his/her job.

Answer 2

I guess because none of us are perfect and if they give you an instance of where you could improve rather than say what is wrong then I think it would be a better approach.

Postive reinforcement works better for most of us.

By saying the 'staff' or 'everyone' means the bosses are backing up what they say with a team behind to give it more weight.
(Just a tactic)

Your best approach is to ask 'how can I improve' and not take
too much on the chin.

Answer 3

There is always room for improvement (not a wrong), which is the whole point of an evaluation. Do you consider youself perfect? If yes, (that needs improvement) there is nothing more to discuss.

Answer 4

My boss once actually told me that he was required to make at least one comment for an area of improvement so that I would have a goal.

After I told him what a corporate tool he was being, he said I should work on taking constructive criticism.

I then reported him to the IRS so he would have some goals of his own.

(not really, that last part about the IRS only)

But, you're right in your suspicions. Many evaluations are bullcrap.

Answer 5

It's good to have something negative on a evaluation, i know it sounds weird!! But it gives you something to work on or towards, that way when your next raise comes around they have something to base your raise around which in return to you could increase the amount... trust me i've seen it first hand.

Answer 6

One year I was told that I did not set my schedules (software development) aggressively enough, (ding) that is why I was always coming in early on my deadlines (the OT had nothing to do with it).

The next year, I was told that I was coming in to close to my deadlines and not allowing enough time when scheduling for problems (ding).

I come in early, I need improvement, I make my deadlines but close, I need improvement.

There is no winning, it is there way of saying I control you, no matter how good you are, I will zap you.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, on a job evaluation, you still have to sign on the dotted line, even if you don't agree with everything. They hold the threat of you losing your job. It could be they just want you to perform better. It's the old, "hold a carrot in front of a horse" theory.

Answer 8

No one is perfect, and even if you were, your boss would never admit it. They give you 'areas for growth' so that they can tell their bosses that they accomplished something when they get evaluated. It's not you, it's just the system. get used to it.

Answer 9

Because they themselves have someone breathing down their neck to make improvements or changes, and they are responsible for the shortcomings and lack of performance of their subordinates. If they let their subordinates slack off and underperform, they are held accountable for their lack of leadership and lack of managment.

Answer 10

because if they don't someone will find something to put on their evaluation?