H̶u̶m̶a̶ Mathias Ponders: Employee appraisal

A whole month to build up my courage

It all started a month before I was due for my performance review. I received a notice of the meeting and an assignment in Huma to prepare for the interview. "It's finally happening," I thought. "Finally I can say what I really feel!"

So I sat down. Scribbled down my feelings and what issues and things I would like to be different at work. First came a point. Then another, and finally I had a - not too long and not too short - list of points I wanted to address. "Oh, I'll tell him!"

Only one week left now

The days went by and suddenly there was only one week left. I started to dread it a little. I was a little nervous, but what the heck. I was David, after all, and it was finally getting close to the time when I would take on Goliath! "Yes, in a week he will hear!"

The last week before the performance review had arrived. The days were long and the nights were characterized by poor sleep. But I'm tough, and I'll say what I feel! This week was also the deadline for entering notes and comments in the preparations in Huma's Meeting module, so I had to do it. "I'm really going to tell the boss now!" But it might have been a good idea to be a little diplomatic. "Well, well. He'll really get to hear it during the call itself," I thought.

The day had finally arrived

The day had finally arrived. The hours and minutes counted down until I had to go to my room. Aiaiai, what a nerve-wracking day it was. "No, pull yourself together," I thought. "I'm tough and brave for standing up for myself." I was determined, but there was still a thought in the back of my mind. "Whatever, he's really going to hear it now!"

Then I stood there. Outside the door, waiting to be called in. I was so nervous. Sweatier than a lemming in a fox den. So scared of one of the scariest meetings of the year. The boss called me in and I followed him. Knees trembling and arms like spaghetti. Even the voice in my head was pitiful. "Now he's going to - erm, eh - hear it!"

To my great surprise, he had made himself really cozy, with really good coffee and a dewy mug of cold water. The conversation started, and it became very pleasant. I told him how much I enjoy my job, and we talked a bit about performance, goals and expectations, and things like that.

It actually went quite well. And all I could think was that this is a good place to work. Then the performance review was over. "Heh, he really got to hear it," I thought, and walked proudly and happily back to my desk to continue the day.