Leadership in Action: Issues and Observations - "You're Not a Good Team Player" and Other Meaningless Feedback

ISSUES & OBSERVATIONS

“You're Not a Good Team Player” and Other Meaningless Feedback

Sloan Weitzel

During the eight years I worked in sales for a telecommunications company, I went through numerous performance appraisals. I remember one time in particular when my boss shared with me some of the personal notes he had written on the evaluation form. “Sloan,” he said, “I just wanted to let you know that I think you are a good contributor. I also think you can occasionally be brilliant.” He also pointed out to me, while smiling from ear to ear, that he had checked the “exceeded objectives” box under the heading of “trustworthy.” His parting remark, which came across in a much more serious tone, occurred as I was almost halfway out his door, “And, ...