Ahh, the evaluation form. What are we really doing when we “evaluate”? We’re judging, measuring someone’s significance, worth or quality. 

And if you are in a role like mine, you get evaluated a lot. I am “evaluated” thousands of times a year, and I have to say that about 98% of the feedback is great. Another 1% is really helpful constructive feedback. For example, I used to get a lot of feedback from folks saying they couldn’t hear me clearly during events. I took that to heart, switched to a handheld mic, and the problem was solved. I never have that feedback anymore. That kind of feedback is gold—thoughtful and kind.

And then there’s the final 1%. The feedback that’s just… mean. I once worked with a company where someone wrote a whole page—not a sentence, a page—about everything they disliked about me and my presentation. Imagine taking that much time just to be unkind. Am I perfect? Nope. Do I make mistakes? Of course. But I am not a mistake.

Don’t let unkind “entitled to give their opinion” people judge your significance, worth or quality. Just because you can give your opinion doesn’t mean everyone needs to hear it. 

So, before you fill out an evaluation form, ask yourself: Is what I’m about to write helpful or kind? If it’s not, maybe don’t fill it out. 

Speak up, kindly.

Darci