Performance Reviews: AI Hits Hard in Tech, But There's Still the Usual Decoding

Performance reviews. They now have a new wrinkle, at least in tech.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Google, Meta and Microsoft are among the tech players embedding AI use in the performance review. There are all versions of assessment, ranging from achieving productivity gains to creating a new workflow tool the team can leverage.

This, of course, adds not only to the angst associated with being formally evaluated. It significantly shifts what you should be paying attention to. That is, if you want to keep your job and perhaps aspire to a promotion.

There is also all the decoding that overall must be done when you interpret what's in that review. For instance, when I coach those in professional services such as law they strain to decide if what's flagged as "needing" improvement" represents well-thought-out mentoring feedback or a legalized kind of warning that you could be on the way out. 

In addition, there's the possible political aspect: Someone in power doesn't like you. That tone and content are obvious in the review.

The way not to deal with performance reviews is to be a hothead, especially in this disrupted labor market. The attitude should be cooperative, eager to find out how to increase your value to the organization. Calmly, though, questions can be asked. Documentation can be submitted challenging some of the content. However, it is known that the "evidence" can be received as pushback. There could be a souring of the relationship or even retaliation. Would you rather be right or maintain goodwill at work?

The exception? If you are considering filing a formal complaint internally or with a government agency or even a lawsuit. Yes, pile on the documentation.

That goes back to decoding, figuring out what message the assessment is really sending. Being assertive could be ineffective.

The way out of the performance review could be to become an entrepreneur. The market provides the metrics, not some small power group at a job. Most of my middle-aged clients have the objective of launching their own business. Despite the long hours on the job they are struggling to start something up on the side.

However, even business owners might, as a vendor, be subjected to a formal performance review. When I was a contract content-creator at AOL, I had to endure that process. Although puzzled why that was happening I expressed gratitude for the feedback. Then Huffington Post took over AOL and most of us vendors were dumped. Although that represented the loss of an account I felt relief. This wasn't the deal I signed up as a solopreneur. 

Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success. Meanwhile, we focus on bringing in income. That puts you in a position of strength.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle


A way out of the 

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