Phew, two feedback sessions consecutively in preparation for my half year review has turned out to be quite emotionally draining. Imagine all your friends sitting down and telling you quite honestly what they think of you (with examples) and then your payrise being worked out on the back of it and you're quite close to the Cadbury feedback culture, (Note to any Cadbury Senior Managers reading this - my feedback overall was very good, I have a great reputation in the marketing function and should definitely be promoted very soon. I am of course working on a few minor development needs to further improve my performance and improve upon the success of the company). It's actually very useful and when you get to your review and they will be cleverly structured as your boss will begin with the words 'how do you think you've done so far this year?'. In response, you're forced to list all your 'development needs' (nice way of saying weakness) because you don't want to appear too big-headed. They then agree with you, (hopefully) and then comes the useful bit about how you can work on them and therefore become the perfect employee for your next review. If you really want to make your boss feel uncomfortable then give yourself a completely inaccurate self assessment and watch them come up with a way of saying 'interesting you should say that but you're completely wrong'. (Note to my boss if you're reading this, I will not be doing this).
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