It can be unsettling to feel that you might be underperforming at your job, and this uncertainty can make it difficult to gauge your actual performance. Understanding clear, observable signs can help you objectively assess your situation. This allows you to move from a state of worry to informed awareness, which is the first step in taking control of your career path.
Your Relationship with Your Manager Has Changed
An indicator of your standing at work is the quality of your relationship with your direct supervisor. If your once frequent and informal check-ins have been replaced by abrupt, formal communication, it could signal a problem. Similarly, if a manager who once trusted you to work autonomously begins to micromanage your tasks, it may suggest a decline in their confidence in your abilities.
This change can also manifest as avoidance. If your manager repeatedly cancels one-on-one meetings or becomes difficult to reach, it could be a sign of trouble. This avoidance might stem from their discomfort in having a difficult conversation about your performance, as open communication is part of a healthy manager-employee relationship.
Another sign is a noticeable increase in criticism without constructive advice. While feedback is a normal part of professional growth, a constant stream of negative comments without guidance for improvement is different. A manager who only criticizes, rather than coaches you to improve, may be building a case for your dismissal.
Your Work and Responsibilities Have Shifted
A change in your workload or the type of projects you are assigned can be a sign that you are not doing well. If you find yourself with a drastically reduced workload while your colleagues are busy, it could indicate you are being pushed out. Conversely, being overloaded with an impossible amount of work might be a way to set you up for failure.
Being taken off high-profile projects or excluded from meetings you once attended are also indicators of a problem. These actions suggest your contributions are no longer seen as valuable to the company’s important initiatives. If you notice that key decisions are being made without your input, your influence within the organization could be diminishing.
Another sign is being assigned tasks well below your skill level that offer no opportunities for growth. This can be a way of devaluing your role and encouraging you to seek employment elsewhere. If your work has become monotonous, it may be a sign that your manager no longer sees a future for you at the company.
You Receive Negative or No Feedback
Performance evaluations are a direct way to gauge your standing. If you consistently receive negative feedback in your performance reviews, it is a clear sign that your work is not meeting expectations. While some managers are demanding, consistently poor reviews about the quality or timeliness of your work are a serious red flag.
A formal Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a serious indicator. A PIP is a documented plan that outlines specific areas where your performance is deficient and sets clear goals for improvement within a defined timeframe. While presented as a development tool, it is often the final step before termination, meaning your job is at risk.
A complete lack of feedback can be as alarming as negative feedback. If your manager avoids discussing your performance, cancels review meetings, or offers no guidance, it may be a sign they have given up on your development. This silence can be difficult to interpret, but it is often a sign of trouble.
Your Relationships with Coworkers Feel Strained
The way your coworkers interact with you can also reflect your standing at work. If you feel a sense of social or professional exclusion from your peers, it could be a sign that something is amiss. This can manifest as being left out of informal conversations, lunches, or after-work gatherings.
This strain can also be felt in professional contexts. If you are no longer included on collaborative emails or find that colleagues are hesitant to partner with you on projects, it could be a sign they are aware of your poor performance. They may be distancing themselves to avoid being associated with your work.
A toxic work environment where gossip is prevalent can also be an indicator. If you hear that your boss is gossiping about you to your colleagues, it is a sign of a dysfunctional and unsupportive culture. A strained relationship with your peers can be an early warning that your reputation within the company is declining.
You Feel Disengaged and Unmotivated
A noticeable shift in your own feelings about your work can be an indicator that something is wrong. If you find yourself procrastinating on tasks you once enjoyed or feeling a persistent sense of dread about the workday, it may be a sign of burnout or disengagement.
A decline in the quality of your own work is another internal sign. If you are making more mistakes than usual or missing deadlines, it is a reflection of your diminished motivation and focus. This can be a cycle, as poor performance can lead to feelings of inadequacy, which in turn can further decrease your motivation.
Chronic boredom and a lack of fulfillment are also signs that you are not thriving in your role. If you feel that your job is no longer challenging or meaningful, it can be difficult to maintain a high level of performance. This sense of disengagement can manifest as a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of being undervalued.
What to Do if You Recognize These Signs
If you recognize these signs, it is time to take action. Here are some steps you can take:
- Conduct an honest self-assessment. Objectively consider the feedback you have received and identify areas where you can genuinely improve. This requires setting aside your emotional response and looking at the situation from a practical perspective, as a clear-eyed view is the foundation for an effective action plan.
- Proactively seek feedback from your manager. Schedule a meeting to discuss your performance and express your desire to improve. Ask for specific examples of where you are falling short and what you can do to meet expectations.
- Document everything. Keep a record of your accomplishments, the feedback you receive, and any steps you take to improve your performance. This documentation can be valuable for conversations with your manager or human resources.
- Consider if the problem is your performance or the work environment. If you are in a toxic workplace or a role that is a poor fit for your skills and interests, it may be time to start looking for a new job.