The bugle blast of evaluation can drown out the quieter melodies of coaching and appreciation. Even if I walk into my performance review determined to learn how to improve, evaluation can get in the way. If I was expecting an “exceeds expectations” and receive only a “meets expectations,” then whatever coaching I receive is likely to go unheard. That’s true even if the coaching is designed to help me get what I want—an “exceeds” next year. Instead of hearing the coaching, I’m focused on the thoughts and emotions broadcast by my internal voice: What about all the times I bailed you out with
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