Let me expound:

1. Begin with an overall compliment. Something like, “I appreciate your passion for your job and your desire to help me improve at what I do.” This not only makes it easier for you to move to the request, but your boss will appreciate the comment and acknowledgment.

2. Criticism is easiest to deliver if it is presented as a request. Instead of saying that she is bossy and you can’t trust her, say, “What would help me is if you could ‘ask’ me to do something instead of ‘telling’ me. Also, I feel like you don’t trust me for some reason and I’d like to work on that with you.” This approach shows that you are trying to be helpful and want to work through the trust issue.

Lastly, end on a positive. Something like, “Thank you for being willing to work with me on my suggestions in improving our relationship and know that I’ll do my part.” Hope that helps.

Employee reviews are annual or biannual meetings between you and your supervisor where your supervisor provides you with verbal and written feedback on your job performance. You should know that some companies tie the performance review to salary increases but some do not.

Some things you may want to find out ahead of time (by talking to your boss and/or peers):

a) Is a pay raise tied to performance reviews?
b) Will you have the opportunity to do a performance review on yourself as part of this process?
c) Because you are new, will you have been at the company long enough to even discuss a raise?
d) Will you have an opportunity to also provide your boss with feedback on his/her performance?
e) How can you best prepare for the review?

Nana, certainly the more prepared you are for your review, the easier it will be. I would suggest pulling your boss aside and asking him/her how you can best prepare for the review and what you should expect. That answer alone should supply you with all the information you need. Best of luck and let me know if you need anything else. You can also reach me on www.askdrmac.com.