Get advice on how to deal with jerks at work Check out the book 'Jerks At Work' and other titles by Ken Lloyd Ph.D. Return to the JerksAtWork.com homepage Learn more about Ken Lloyd, Ph.D. Submit a question to Ken Lloyd, Ph.D.
 

You asked, Ken answers ...

This item is filed under these categories:
Feedback Disciplining Coaching Stress Fairness Criticism

Two years ago, I was making frequent mistakes on my job. I was put on probation and made a great deal of progress. I have been off probation for about a year, but on the rare occasion when I make a mistake, my supervisor writes me up and tells me that my performance is still unacceptable and I haven't learned anything. What can I do to stop being written up?



Obviously, the best way to reduce the number of times that you are being written up is to reduce the number of mistakes. Nonetheless, it is a mistake for a supervisor to write up an employee and not provide guidance and support to help prevent such errors in the future. Your supervisor's comments are not exactly words of encouragement. This style of write-up is effective at building frustration, defensiveness, insecurity, and stress. It is also effective at building a case.

You should look honestly at your own performance, the frequency of errors, and the steps you have been taking to prevent them. Being written up is often a prelude to severe disciplinary action, and now is the time for you to act.

You should meet with your supervisor, and with senior management if necessary, to clarify job objectives, standards, and expectations. Let management know what you are doing to improve your performance, and ask for suggestions in this area, along with guidance in the event of some slippage. This approach may prevent the handwriting in the write-ups from turning into the handwriting on the wall.





Comment on this item

Your name (optional)
If you leave this blank, we'll list you as "Website visitor"


Your comments
Please keep your comments focused on the topic. Thanks!