Why would an employee get a verbal warning for "not performing above expectations"?

Question

I can understand if one is performing below expectations, but what is the reasoning behind a verbal warning for not exceeding the expectations? I understand that for many, exceeding the expectations is a goal, but for others, the bare minimum level of accepted performance is just fine? Is there an ulterior motive by management for that employee? Is it a sign that management cares enough to use a tactic such as this to strongly suggest that the employee make an impression for some plans for advancement? Or is it management taking advantage of an ambitious employee? Your thoughts are appreciated.

I had a one2one talk with the operations manager and one with my direct supervisor. Both told me that I need to keep doing outstanding work, and that hard work will be rewarded. I have been working extra hard at asking people if they need my assistance, and they have told me that they are aware of the efforts I am putting forth, and they are pleased. I did straight out ask if I was on a path to a pink slip, the answer was a vehement "NO". It was just the kick in the *** I needed to keep myself at top performance. Thank you for your answers! It gave me the strength to ask the questions to get the answers I needed to hear!

Answer 1

yeah, it sounds pretty weird!!
but, just maybe the management thinks that that person can do much better ,but isn't pushing himself.
the guide lines for performance are set for the average joe.
could be that the employee's minium is at expectation,
for others they may be struggling to hit minium expectation, but management may be able to see that they are really trying hard.
on the other hand it could be that management could jolly well be just mean.
God bless,
gabe

Answer 2

It's totally unacceptable to give someone a warning albeit written or verbal for not performing above expectations. Not meeting expectations however is a different story, if you're not meeting expectations, in essence, you're not doing the job you were hired to do so therefore can't stay in the position.
Arrange a 1:1 meeting with your boss, or even take a 3rd party (this should be doable) if you would prefer have some moral support. Your boss might want to bring along a HR rep too so don't panic if you see someone from that team there. Remain calm throughout the meeting, ask your employer to explain how you are not performing above expectations, ask them to cite examples.
Are you by any chance coming to the end of a probationary period? If you are then it's possible that things arent working out and this is a step to shake things up. Best of luck hope things work out for you :o)

Answer 3

As a former personnel manager, I have never come accross this one before. One would assume that performing to expectations was sufficient, but to warn someone for not performing above expectations is very strange. Something you would not expect savvy employers to do as it could too easily be seen as constructive dismissal, which is basically when a company makes the job or environment so impossible that the employee has no choice but to either resign or "underperform". It would be worth the employee requesting a chat with either the direct line manager, the person who issued the warning or the human resources/personnel department in order to get clarification. A verbal warning should, even though it is verbal, be noted on paper and kept on the employee's file. If this is not done, then it is not following correct procedure, it then becomes their word against the employees and vice versa, it would be well worth the employee asking if there is a copy of the written warning on his file, and if he or she may also have a copy. They don't have to let you have one, but they do have to keep a file note saying that a verbal warning was given and why. If I were the employee I would ask for clarification as to why this warning was given in the first place and ascertain as to what level of performance is expected if it is above expectations. Very strange indeed.

Answer 4

What kind of industry do you work in (if I'm assuming correctly that you are talking about yourself and your current position)? I could possibly understand hearing this in the financial services industry, or even recruiting/ staffing firms - since those areas are driven by commission and you almost need to exceed expectations to do well. But in most other areas, this just doesn't make sense.

Maybe your manager has observed you working "above expectations" in the past, and for whatever reason, feels you are not up to your own standard. Is it possible you set the bar too high for yourself previously and you are only being compared to your prior work? In that case, I would say your manager is expecting more from you because you've already proved you've given more.

If the answer is D - None of the Above and this is really out of the blue, then maybe your manager is just trying to see if you'll crack under pressure. Sometimes asking people to "exceed expectations" is too much and it tends to "weed out" those that are unmotivated and don't want to work.

Answer 5

Apparently, the powers that be expect an employee to meet certain expectations within a certain period of time. If those expectations are not met, and an employee is not meeting the job expectations (or are functioning below the expectation level) then the employer sees fit to execute a verbal warning. This sounds like a high pressure tactic and a very stressful job situation. Good Luck to you! ~Sharon

Answer 6

That's stupid. "Expectations" are supposed to be the minumum allowed. If you're meeting the minumum you shouldn't be recieving warnings. Of couse they want you to go above the expectations and most employees will, but that's not a reason to recieve a warning. If you have a handbook or policy book, I would ask them to point out where in that book it states that you need to exceed the expectations.

Was this an "official" verbal warning. Something that will go on your record?

Personally, I would look for a new place to work. I don't know what their motive it but I wouldn't want to stick around to find out.

Good luck either way.

Answer 7

I know this is a simple answer but maybe dear old cocopuff is just a lazy bugger who doesn't want to make the maximum contribution to the success of the business that has emplyed them. Which by the way folks is what an employer is entitled to expect. After all if you go to work and only get 70% of the job you are allocated done then you wouldnt expect to get paid 70% of your salary would you? If an employer goes to work and only gets 70% of his job done generally this will end up with the company closing ad all those prcious employs who want to file their nails or spend time here whilst being paid without a job. Any one want a real debate about employment?

Answer 8

I would say it's a sign taht you are being singled out. Couple of possible reasons:

A)Employer wants rid of you (for some reason)
B)Employer wants to set an example with other team members by discplining you
C)Employer actually means to say "performing to expectations" but is trying too hard to sound clever
D)You have done really well in the past and have slipped a bit and are trying to give you a kick up the ****

Answer 9

It sounds like whoever was giving it was trying to be too nice about it and avoid a confrontation. The warning should've been given with at least one example of specific behavior.

To me it just sounds like an overly-dressed way of saying that the person is not performing to standard. That the person is not efficient because they will purposefully take longer to do the bare minimum, when they should've had it done sooner.

Answer 10

Whose expectations, his, yours, mine? Most of us have standards, explicit or otherwise, which we're expected or required to meet. But the situation you describe suggests that the manager (or the company, or the industry) doesn't understand the language. I'd guess at advertising, estate agents, or a fast food franchise. At any rate it sounds like you're working for an idiot; get out and find a real job.