What those performance review phrases really mean

We’ve all been on the receiving end of a performance review in which we’re not quite sure what’s being said.

What follows is a sampling of phrases from performance reviews—along with their possible translations. All phrases were taken from the book “2600 Phrases for Effective Performance Reviews” by Paul Falcone. Note the word “Effective” in the title.

Phrase: “Often flouts corporate policy and appears to march to his own drummer.”
Translation: You’re late every day.

Phrase: “Demonstrates an entitlement mentality.”
Translation: You think it’s OK that you’re late every day.

Phrase: “Often gets too ‘creative’ in changing established procedures without approval.
Translation: You try to convince others that it’s OK to be late every day.

Phrase: “Uses his position to dominate and intimidate others.”
Translation: People are afraid of you.

Phrase: “Remains unwilling to carry out tasks that are ‘below him.'”
Translation: You need to learn how to use the copier.