Case: "Let's Get This Evaluation Thing Out of the Way"

You stopped by your manager's office to relay a brief message to him. You were later to believe that this small act--which you were not obligated to perform--was a mistake on your part, because before you could get away the boss said, "Hey, while you're here, let's get this evaluation thing out of the way.

Should've been done 6 weeks ago."

He pulled an evaluation form from a stack on his desk and said. "Sit down--this won't take long."

The boss began by asking, "Don't suppose you did a self-evaluation?"

You answered, "No. I didn't know it was expected."

"Well, anyway, we can do without it." "Now, to get to it. You've done some good work this past year, and I want you to know it's noticed and appreciated. Of course there are always places where

some improvement could be made.

Starting with the good side, your output has been great these past few months, and I'm especially pleased with the way you handled the implementation of the new billing system. You've got pretty good judgment, and this shows up in your planning. And you did a swell job with the scheduling problem-maybe I told you that at the time."

"But let me tell you where I think you can do better. I know I can speak frankly and right to the point.

Your stubbornness is still a problem.

I can think of three or four times when I've had to step in between you and the folks in info systems.

I'm sure you agree that you haven't shown a great deal of creativity in doing your job, and that's too bad because this is an important area for us to consider when we're picking people for promotion.

Another thing I've noticed is that you're too aggressive in dealings with other

departments. You know we all have to pull together if this health system is to....

Instructions

Critique the foregoing portion of the "evaluation meeting" between "you" and the manager. Indicate what you believe to be inappropriate, if anything, and what you believe to be acceptable, if anything.

In mentioning something you believe was improperly done, state how it might have been done correctly. In concluding, summarize your reaction to the previous passage in a single sentence.