Since I don’t work with many of my 310 employees directly, I rely on the opinion of other employees and managers for information about how others are doing, their value, and if they are having problems or are a problem. It could be formal communication, or the grapevine. Sometimes I’ll hear a negative comment about so and so from someone.
I have learned that you have to be careful about taking these first comments as truth. Consider the source, and the situation. Be aware, but don’t act. Get more information, second opinions, and if you aren’t sure, see for yourself.
If you are getting a number of the same opinions from people you trust, then it’s a pattern of judgements you can rely on more.
If you act on one opinion, you’ll make mistakes, and get played by those that have your ear.