Saturday, May 11, 2019

Everyone Has Their Rating but You? What to Do

Updated September 2026: in May 2019 teammates reporting to the other manager had their ratings, and colleagues nearby had theirs, while I was still waiting for mine. I have rewritten it into advice on what to do when everyone else seems to have their rating before you.

My teammate under the other manager already had his rating, and the whole of that team's ratings were final. The colleague sitting next to me had received hers too. Word around the office was that everyone would have theirs within two or three days. Having received the top rating the previous year, I was eager and anxious to see mine and my manager's comments.

Why do ratings arrive at different times?

Managers communicate at their own pace within the company's window. Some share all ratings on one day; others spread conversations over a week. A delay usually reflects your manager's schedule, not your result.

Should you ask your manager?

Asking when your conversation is scheduled is fair. Asking for the result before the meeting puts your manager in an awkward spot and rarely speeds things up. A short message is enough: "Could we set a time for my appraisal discussion?"

How do you manage the anxiety?

Avoid comparing notes with colleagues while you wait.
Focus on your work for the day.
Prepare questions for the conversation instead of guessing the outcome.

What should you prepare for the discussion?

Your key achievements, any recognition received, and what you want next: a promotion, different work or development. Having these ready makes the conversation useful whatever the rating.

What if your rating is lower than last year?

Ask what changed and what the path back looks like. Ratings are often relative within a team, so a strong year can still produce a lower rating if colleagues also did well. Understanding the reasons matters more than the number.

What if it is the same or better?

Thank your manager, and use the moment to discuss your next step, such as promotion timing.