Is it unfair?

It's the annual appraisal exercise again. It suddenly dawned on me that it's not how hard you work but rather it is the relationship with your boss or the boss of other departments that counts. Sometimes, I wonder if one should work so hard and not being appreciated. It is unfair!!!

One was ranked as non-performer. It does not mean that he can't perform. It makes a difference whether someoone can't perform or unable to perform as he is not given the opportunity to do so.