Performance reviews provide an excellent opportunity for managers to give feedback to employees, reward high performing employees, and assist employees who are struggling to meet their goals.
However, if done poorly, they can be redundant or stressful for everyone involved (consequently negatively impacting the work culture).
We鈥檝e gathered 10 quick tips to help managers execute successful performance reviews, making it a perfect article for them to save and read beforehand for some helpful reminders.
1. Be Prepared
鈥Use the time before the review to reflect on what the employee has done well and where they could improve. Then, try to come up with specific examples of good and poor behavior (that can be used during the review).鈥
2. Put Employee at Ease
Host the performance review in an area where the employee feels comfortable and at ease. This is typically a quiet and private room. Then, outline what the meeting will cover and ask if the employee would like to add anything.
3. Invite Self-Appraisal
鈥Do not talk endlessly at the employee, encourage them to talk about their performance and give feedback. This can be done by using open questions such as 鈥渉ow have the last few weeks been going?鈥.
4. Highlight the Positive
鈥Highlight the employee鈥檚 strengths and the excellent work they have done. Use the specific examples that you brainstormed before the meeting.鈥
5. Focus on Improvement
- 听
- Don鈥檛 spend too much time talking about the employee鈥檚 shortfalls, as this may demotivate and decrease the employee鈥檚 confidence. 听
- When an issue is important, be honest about its impact on the team or the organization. 听
- Focus on the improvement plan and how you will assist the employee in achieving these goals.
6. Be Aware of Biases
鈥Be aware of how your personal beliefs and opinions can impact your judgement and impact performance reviews.
7. Make it a Two-Way Street
- 听
- Encourage open communication during the meeting. 听
- Ask the employees about their opinions on how you can work together more effectively. 听
- Acknowledge their suggestions, and actively listen to what they have to say.
8. Set Objectives
鈥Set goals and objectives during the meeting. 听The process must be a joint effort where both parties share ideas and come to an agreement on what the goals and objectives should be. Make sure that objectives are realistic and that they are within the employee鈥檚 reach.
9. End on a Positive Note
鈥As the review is coming to an end, thank the employee and 听summarize what has been covered in the meeting. Ensure to include the main areas of improvement and how you will help them.
10. Follow up
Record the main meeting points, employee objectives, and action items that were discussed during the meeting. Use these to assist in following up on any actions points established and checking in on the employee鈥檚 performance and improvement.
Looking to learn more about performance conversations?
Read our full guide on how to conduct modern performance reviews.

Katherine is a Client Experience Intern at 黑料传送门, is secretly obsessed with tigers, has a passion for learning new things, and is at the finish line for getting her CHRP.