The gap between self and manager rating has always intrigued me. What triggers this deficit: self-rating of employee higher than the manager? As we go through the appraisal season, at least in India, I am reminded of an interaction with my team member from yesteryears.
I worked with this person for five years. I was his manager and conducted his mid and yearly appraisals. What amazed me was that every single year and for almost every single goal, his self-rating was one level higher than my rating.
I wondered about this consistent gap. So, in the last year that we worked together, I asked him, “Over last five years, we have consistently seen this gap of 1 level, it rarely goes to 2 levels. Isn’t it interesting…. I wonder why?”
I shared a good rapport with him. After a brief pause, he sheepishly responded, “I knew what my rating should be. But I pegged it little higher because I believe managers tend to give a lower rating. So, if I peg it higher, the reference will be higher (framing bias ), so I will get the rating I deserve. If I rate at the level I deserve, you may rate me even lower!!”
Wow! I was speechless for some time! Performance appraisal rating, unfortunately in this person’s mind, was akin to bargaining in street shopping…
I really hope not many people feel this way. Have you ever come across a strange reason like this?
What in your view are some of the key reasons for the deficit between employee and manager rating?
At the outset, I would like to thank you for stopping by my Blog.
I believe that there is nothing right or wrong in this world. What’s right in this moment and context may be wrong in another moment and context. This belief has inspired me to name my blog ‘Perspectives’.
Perspectives is a platform for me to share my experiences, thoughts and perspectives on various subjects. You may have a different point of view. I look forward to hearing them, these are the triggers for rich and deep conversations.
On personal front, I live in Mumbai, India. I love to read; Somerset Maugham and Nevil Shute are my favorite authors. My favorite books are The Razor’s Edge, Mrs. Craddock, Chequer Board and Gone with the Wind. I am thankful to my father who inculcated the habit of reading in me early on.
I am also passionate about traveling, I have been to most parts of India and to several countries across the globe.
On professional front, I work in Human Resources function. Over two and half decades, I have worked across multiple industries and cultures. I focus on Leadership Development, Talent Management, Visioning and Culture, Large-scale change, Employee Listening & Engagement, Employee Well-being, Inclusive work culture, HR effectiveness, Behavior and Mind-set shifts through sustained interventions
I currently lead Organization Effectiveness Function for Aditya Birla Group, a $44.3 billion conglomerate with 120000 employees across 35 countries.
I sincerely hope that you will enjoy reading my blog. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.
Thank you!
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Perspectives 