The Awkward Review

🎧 Transcript

Joseph: How did the performance review go?

Sana: Awkward. My manager said "Your technical skills are excellent but your communication needs work." I didn't know what to say.

Joseph: What did you say?

Sana: "I don't agree. I communicate well."

Joseph: Defensive. Even if you disagree, starting with "I don't agree" shuts the conversation down. Try: "That's interesting — could you give me a specific example?"

Sana: But what if I genuinely disagree?

Joseph: Then ask for evidence first. "Could you give me an example of when my communication wasn't clear?" If their example is valid — acknowledge it. If it's not — you can push back with evidence of your own: "I see what you mean about that email, but I'd point to the client presentation last month as an example of where I communicated effectively."

Sana: So acknowledge first, then present my side?

Joseph: Exactly. "I take your point about X. I'd also like to highlight Y." You're not disagreeing — you're adding context. Very different tone.

Sana: And then they asked about my goals. I said "I want to be promoted."

Joseph: Too blunt. "I'd like to take on more responsibility and work toward a senior role. What would I need to demonstrate for that to happen?" Now your manager tells you the criteria. You have a roadmap.

Sana: "What would I need to demonstrate." That's smart — it puts the ball in their court.

Joseph: And it shows ambition without sounding entitled. One more thing — at the end, always say "Thanks for the feedback — this has been really helpful." Even if it was uncomfortable. It builds trust.

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