Is it acceptable to mention "body language" in a formal review?

[Nette]

What do you think? I had a less than stellar review recently and one of the key issues that the manager harps on is "negative body language" (no examples given). I know that I have very closed body language, and I've been making an effort to smile more at my coworkers, but I think that mentioning body language is subjective and mildly offensive.

I spoke to some friends of mine who also manage people, and they were appalled that anyone would bring up body language. One of them even said that it was harassment.

What do you think?

 

[luvmy3]

I guess it depends on what type of work you do. If you sit at a desk and do not interact with clients it would be no big deal. If part of your job was to meet with people who will judge your company by you, or you are losing business because of it then I could see it reflecting poorly in a review.

Personally, I wouldn't put it in a formal review. I would have a face to face talk about it with you and see if there could be an effort to improve it.

 

[Nette]

I'm a sit at your desk kind of person. The only customer interaction I've had so far has been in phone conversations... No one else seems to think anything of it (my body language) which is why I'm so confused. And asking for examples leaves him dancing around the subject. Sigh.

 

[Bluestars]

I don't think it's appropriate to mention body language. I think it would have been fine to mention your attitude or the way you interact with others though. I think it is a bit controlling for someone to mention body language in a review.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

Yes, but only if it comes with specific examples and a clear path to correcting them. I have never accepted imprecise reviews. I always ask, in a very contrite way, for specific examples so I can work to correct the deficiency. I then ask periodically how I am progressing...

 

[OceanAnnie]

I don't think it's appropriate to mention body language. I think it would have been fine to mention your attitude or the way you interact with others though. I think it is a bit controlling for someone to mention body language in a review.

I agree. I would ask for that to be removed (especially with no examples). If the request is denied I would consult HR to discuss it and I'd write a rebuttal statement for my file if were to be part of my record.

 

[CookieGVB]

How do you deal with your supervisors? When they are speaking with you about work, are you drumming fingers on the desk, rolling your eyes, sighing?

 

[Magic Mom]

Yes, but only if it comes with specific examples and a clear path to correcting them. I have never accepted imprecise reviews. I always ask, in a very contrite way, for specific examples so I can work to correct the deficiency. I then ask periodically how I am progressing...

I agree, I think body language is so subjective, that using it in a review is unproductive unless it comes with specific examples.
I don't see it as sexual harassment at all.

 

[Phedre]

I guess I don't see it as a problem at all, as body language is part of how we communicate with other humans, so it is a part of our attitude and such. I do think the manager should have given you specific examples though. Obviously, it's important to your manager and it's great now that you know what you can do to make him happier with your performance at work.

 

[Scornelius]

How do you deal with your supervisors? When they are speaking with you about work, are you drumming fingers on the desk, rolling your eyes, sighing?

Or crossing your arms or jiggling your leg? I think I'd ask for specific examples. If they can't give you one, I'd maybe try and get the remarks removed. You admitted that you have 'closed' body language, and think maybe just smiling more isn't enough.

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

I don't know that is should be part of a performance evaluation. Are you doing well on your job other than this?

I don't know anything about the cultural differences here. But body language varies greatly among cultures.

 

[LuvOrlando]

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[Nette]

How do you deal with your supervisors? When they are speaking with you about work, are you drumming fingers on the desk, rolling your eyes, sighing?

No, I don't drum my fingers or roll my eyes... I do tend to sit with my arms crossed or my hands in my pockets, but usually it's because I'm chronically cold. I try (VERY consciously) to smile and nod appropriately.

Yes, but only if it comes with specific examples and a clear path to correcting them. I have never accepted imprecise reviews. I always ask, in a very contrite way, for specific examples so I can work to correct the deficiency. I then ask periodically how I am progressing...

I am going to ask for specific examples. No one on my team knows what he is referring to. However, in the past when I've asked for an update on how my performance is in a onexone, he refuses to give a straight answer.

I'll also be speaking to his supervisor (he recommended this) and I will be contesting the review. My output has been significantly large and varied and I have several people to back me up on that. The entire review was extremely nit-picky. But the body language thing rubs me the wrong way more than anything else.

I'm very apprehensive about addressing this, as I fear retribution. So any other words of wisdom are greatly appreciated.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

If the rest of your review was good or better than good and the only thing they touched upon was your body language, I would address it that way. Stating that these are the good, strong points and then ASK nicely but firmly to be given examples so that YOU can improve for the future evaluations.

IF there were other things that you say Nit Picked, I would go in with much caution. They might be trying to find a way to lay you off OR if you get upset enough you quit and then you can't collect unemployment.

Just don't go in and sit there with an attitude, you want to keep this job especially in these times. Don't be out of character but show that YOU need and want to be here.

I wish you the best and I am sure we all want to know the update!!

 

[Bluestars]

I think the body language thing is nit picky too. Unless he can tell you specifically what it is that you do that he does not like, then why did he mention it at all? I would not be happy if my boss told me I couldn't cross my arms, cross my legs, or something like that. That is personal and I don't feel a boss should have any control over things like that.

I could see having a problem with an employee rolling her eyes or some other disrespectful body movement, but if it's the way you hold your arms or something like that it's way over the top in my opinion.

 

[DebbieB]

I would push for examples and his advice on how to correct the problem. I once worked with someone who gave off bad body language but it was part of a bad attitude overall. If he recommends you speak to his supervisor, I'm sure he has discussed it with him/her already. If you want to progress in this job, I would get to the bottom of it.

 

[mpls_mm]

I think you have to have specific examples. I once worked with someone that was really intimidating and would tower over people and get in their space. It was really hard to describe it and it might have been unintentional but it made people uncomfortable. Eye rolling seems to be one everyone hates. Maybe you could ask a close friend and see if there is something they spot that you don't see.

 

[KirstenB]

I voted yes, because it's a form of communication. Your body language is talking, even when you're silent. This would be a difficult topic to broach, so I give your boss kudos for talking with you about it. Ask your most intuitive friend if he/she has noticed anything about your body language. Maybe the boss is wrong. But if he/she is correct, they're doing you a big favor.

 

[Pigeon]

Not unless the body language in question involves giving your co-workers a roundhouse kick to the head or flipping the bird to your boss.

I think asking him and his supervisor for details is the way to go for this.

 

[pisco]

As someone who has been conducting evaluations for the last 20+ years I would say that the inclusion of body language as a factor in you negative review was not at all acceptable.

First off, I am willing to bet that maintaing positive body language is not part of your job description nor part of your personal growth plan from your last review.

Secondly, with no particular examples of said body language and, more importantly, no examples of how it is negatively impacting your job performance, it cannot be held against you as a performance metric.

Ultimately, if this is a concern for your supervisor they should have addressed it as an area they would like to see you improve in rather than as a justification for a poor review. I feel that it is entirely appropraite to bring issues like this to the table during a review to help an associate improve their image and relationships with their coworkers as negative relationships and perceptions can affect the level of coopoeration and positive interation with your coworkers.

But the bottom line for me is, if it's not part of your job description of written performance expectations, it cannot be held against you in your performance review.