Emil: Have a seat. As you know, we need to talk about your annual performance evaluation. Is there anything you’d like to say before we get started?
Sandra: Yes, there is. I’ve tried really hard this year to improve on some of the shortcomings identified in my evaluation last year.
Emil: Hmm, I’m afraid that’s not reflected in this year’s evaluation. Your supervisor noted on the report that you’ve been performing below par for several months now, and your productivity is down, too.
Sandra: I can’t imagine why she would say that. If I haven’t excelled on the new project, I’ve at least pulled my weight. I don’t think she can fault me on that.
Emil: On the contrary, she thinks that you’ve been slacking off and not giving 100 percent.
Sandra: I have had some personal issues, but I didn’t think they had been affecting my work. I guess I’ve let them bring down my performance.
Emil: This was a hard decision, but we’re putting you on probation for the next three months. You’ll have another evaluation at the end of that time. If your performance isn’t up to par by that time, we’ll have to think about letting you go.
Sandra: That won’t happen. I’m going to pull out all the stops to prove myself.