The Skillful Appraisal Downgrade: Managing Performance Declines
Learn how to manage performance declines with empathy and honesty. This episode explores the skillful way to handle difficult appraisal downgrade conversations.
Best quote from The Skillful Appraisal Downgrade: Managing Performance Declines
Avoiding the truth isn't actually kind; when we withhold the truth because we’re afraid of the reaction, we’re actually prioritizing our own comfort over the other person’s growth.
This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member
My subordinate has not been performing up to standard over these few years. How can I downgrade her appraisal grade skilfully?
Frequently Asked Questions
Skillfully downgrading an appraisal requires a balance of kindness and honesty. According to the podcast, managers often feel a heavy burden when delivering bad news, but avoiding the truth prioritizes the manager's comfort over the employee's professional growth. By focusing on clear communication and workplace empathy, a manager can address a long-term performance decline without destroying the professional relationship, ensuring the subordinate is no longer left in the dark about their standing.
Honesty is crucial because withholding the truth prevents an employee from understanding their actual performance levels. While managers may try to soften the blow to be nice, this often leaves the individual without the necessary information to improve. Research suggests that being truthful, even when it is uncomfortable, is a more empathetic approach that supports long-term professional growth and effective performance management rather than leaving a subordinate in a state of uncertainty.
Empathy is a vital managerial skill that manifests as the discomfort felt when preparing for difficult conversations. In 'The Skillful Appraisal Downgrade,' Eli explains that this discomfort is a sign of a manager's care for their team. However, true empathy involves being honest about a slow decline in work quality. Using empathy correctly means setting down the emotional burden of the news carefully, ensuring the feedback is constructive and aimed at helping the employee succeed.
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
