Annual Appraisals can be energy-drainers if appraisers or appraisees just wake up to the occation! I have witnessed, year-on-year, many asking "why are you rating me low? I and x did the same job! How come my rating is low and how come my compensation hike is low? What do you mean by going the extra-mile? What do you mean by proactiveness! Why am I just 'Exceeds Expectation' and not 'Outstanding'? Such questions never fail to remind me of this old story!
Once upon a time, in a village, a rich farmer had many employees working for him in the field. One of the employees of the farmer, Raman, thought he is an excellent employee and must be rewarded better. However to his dismay, year on year, the farmer seemed to be ignoring him for a pay-hike but at the same time was increasing the salary of another employee, Kandan. The Pongal festival came! It happened once again. Kandan was given a bigger salary hike compared to Raman. As if that’s not enough, the farmer also gifted a cow to Kandan. Raman was very disappointed and he decided it is time that he discussed this with the farmer.
He approached the farmer and demanded an explanation for the ‘partiality’.The farmer said, Sure! you deserve an answer. However, I would like you to complete a task for me before we discussed your issue.
Farmer: Do you see the bullock cart on the main road? Can you go check what is the load?
Raman ran to the bullock cart and inquired and came back, Sir! it is mangoes.
Farmer: Wow, that’s good – can you check what variety?
Raman checked and came back – it is Malgova!
Farmer: Then it must be tasty – can you check if he can sell it to us?
Raman ran, checked and came back – Yes Sir! 1kg is Rs.2
Farmer: That’s expensive! Can you check if he can give us the entire load for a reduced price?
Raman ran. By this time the bullock cart has gone farther. Panting, he checked and came back – Yes Sir! He is ready to sell the entire load to us for Rs. 100.
Farmer: That’s good Raman! Now you wait and sit right next to me. Then he called for Kandan.
Farmer: Kanda, I just saw a bullock cart on the main road. Can you go check what is the load?
Off went Kandan and came back! Sir, that was a load of mangoes from Kallakurichi. He’s taking it to the Manaparai Sandai. I tasted a sample - it is a very good Malgova variety. I bargained the entire load for Rs. 80. He may even give the entire load for Rs.70 if we exchange a load of haystack that is lying wasted in our backyard. I asked him to come and meet you. He’s on the way! Do you want any other help?
The farmer said, that’s fine Kanda, you go back and carry on with your work. Off went Kandan.
The farmer looked at Raman and Raman said ‘Sir, Now I understand!’
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1 comment:
The interesting story explains it well. I recommend sharing it with a larger audience. However, before you do that.....please ensure that the rich farmer(s) here are as clear and objective in their evaluations.
Its important for people to understand (or to be made to understand) that they are rewarded for the value they add, not for just breaking stones. Additionally, appraisees must be made to understand that they get promoted to higher roles for the potential they promise, not merely for the value they recently added. Growth in competencies is a pre-requisite to higher roles.
Though the topic is debatable, depending on one's past experiences, I believe timely inputs on the concept itself are not taken care of regularly by 70% of the appraisers.
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