APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives advice to a reader who feels they were given a low performance review score so they didn’t ask for a promotion.
Q) I was given a low score in my performance review, but I’m unclear why.
My boss regularly praises my contributions, and I’ve not only worked hard to make a difference in my team, but have assisted with projects outside of my role, too.
So when I found my rating was lower than last year, I was so confused.
I asked my boss and she revealed that her initial score for me was actually my highest yet, but she was told by HR to lower it “to manage expectations”.
I have a feeling this was done so I wouldn’t ask for a promotion.
But my review doesn’t reflect my work ethic, and it feels unfair.
How can I move forward?
Annie, via email
A) It’s disheartening to work hard and not have that reflected in your performance review, so request a meeting with your manager to discuss it in more detail.
Express how it’s made you feel undervalued when you have over-delivered this year.
Ask for clarity on what “to manage expectations” means, whether you can challenge the rating with HR, and what you’d have to do to be awarded a higher score in future.
Compile a record of projects you have led or supported, the results you’ve delivered, and instances where you’ve gone above and beyond.
This portfolio will be helpful for future performance and promotion discussions, or even if you decide to explore roles elsewhere.
If you feel comfortable, check in with trusted colleagues to see if they’ve experienced similar situations.
If it becomes clear the company isn’t valuing your contributions or is deliberately limiting your growth, it might be time to reflect on whether it’s the right environment for you.
You deserve to work somewhere that not only acknowledges your hard work, but champions your success.
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email [email protected].
