Can you think of times when you enjoyed a performance conversation? As a manager or an employee?
I am not kidding… performance conversations need not be laden with anxiety or fear. It is possible to have an enjoyable performance discussion, all that’s needed is authenticity from both sides.
Three aspects that underpinned every time I enjoyed the process:
- I trusted my manager / employee to do the right thing or my employee to understand / believe that I will be fair
- I let go of my desire for a specific outcome: be it specific rating, or increment or promotion. When I didn’t worry about the outcome, the next step became easy.
- I developed the courage and conviction to be authentic: candidly assess and discuss
- what’s gone well
- misses, problems, challenges, what’s holding back
- what can help excel, opportunities for change
These enabled an enriching experience, irrespective of my performance in that year or the end outcome. In addition, it strengthened the relationship.
Would love to hear your experience of authentic performance conversation.
And how you made it happen.
Perspectives 