Leadership Tip

How to conduct a performance review in 10 minutes

There is growing evidence that conventional performance reviews are not working. One major issue is the time commitment they require: When many employees already get feedback regularly, formal reviews just take too long. A faster, but still effective, method is the “10-minute review":

  • Create a spreadsheet with two columns: "laudable," a few phrases about where the employee is doing well, and "adverse," a few phrases where he/she is falling short.
     
  • During the review, explain that your goal is to identify both positive traits and areas for improvement. Tailor your message to show that the review is about helping the employee. Then ask the employee how he/she prefers feedback: Kind and nurturing? Pointed and direct? Use their answer to decide whether to start with  "laudable" or "adverse".
     
  • After talking through the points on your spreadsheet, use the last few minutes to let the employee respond to what you have said.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from Tough Love Performance Reviews in 10 Minutes by Mona Patel. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Learn how to lead effectively

Gleaned from wisdom acquired by working with hundreds of highly successful leaders from the world of business, media and sport, our workshops are fortified with practical tips to help you better lead yourself, your team and your business.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

10 actions for achieving best performance

Success does not begin with radically changing the way you work or acquiring new skills: the first step is to take what you already do to the highest level.  However trivial it may seem, if you can do a task more smartly than you did before, and... read more

Leadership Tips

How to lead with integrity

Integrity is one of the most tested traits in leadership. It will challenge your courage, cost you popularity, and often place a target on your back. But true leadership means holding the line -  even when it’s uncomfortable. Here’s how to lead with... read more

How to be likeable

Being likable isn’t about trying to win popularity contests. It’s about creating genuine human connections - the kind that make people want to work with you, trust you, and follow your lead. And the good news? Likability isn’t a mysterious talent that a... read more

How to keep employees happy and engaged

Every leader wants a team of dedicated employees. And yet, many fail to do their part to make this happen. Building a team that is both happy and engaged requires intentional effort. It’s not just about offering competitive salaries or generous perks.... read more