34 Things Not to Say during a Performance Review

Summary: Prepare for your performance review by first figuring out what not to say during the meeting to your boss if you want to keep your job.

It’s performance review time and you may be sweating a ton of bricks as you worry over what is going to be said. When the meeting is utilized properly, the employee and employer will come out of it feeling satisfied. Many do not do this and waste the opportunity.

International business leader Michael Kerr says it is easy to want to vent and be defensive during the review meeting but acting like that is not a smart choice. Instead, “demonstrate that you are truly listening to what’s being said and taking it all in without rushing to judgment.” Expressing the desire to learn and grow through feedback is critical.

Here are 33 things you should also avoid during your performance review:

1. That’s not my fault.
2. It’s (insert name) fault.
3. But that’s not my responsibility.
4. But that’s not in my job description.
5. Who told you that?
6. Where did you hear that?
7. I’m not paid to…
8. I’m not paid enough to…
9. You’re wrong.
10. Are you kidding me?
11. If you think I’m bad, you should see…
12. I deserve a raise.
13. Can I have a raise?
14. I should be making more money.
15. I think you’re being overly critical.
16. It’s about time someone recognized the great work I’m doing.
17. I’m going to find another job unless…
18. That’s what everyone says.
19. That’s what my last boss told me too.
20. I don’t care.
21. That doesn’t bother me.
22. I’m bored with my job.
23. But that’s just who I am and you knew that when you hired me.
24. I don’t think that’s something I can change.
25. I wish you had told me sooner.
26. Can I give you some constructive criticism now?
27. What the f***?
28. That’s bulls***!
29. You should have…
30. You ought to…
31. You could have…
32. Yep, you nailed it. That’s me: employee of the year.
33. Whatever
34. … (saying nothing is equally bad).

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