Beyond the Annual Review: A C-Suite Guide to Motivating Performance

The phrase "performance review" can sometimes make us all a little tense, can't it?

Whether we're the ones giving the review or receiving it, there's a certain weight that comes with that annual sit-down. But from our perspective at INTENT, we believe these aren't a dreaded chore. They're a vital check-in. A chance to truly connect with your amazing people and see where you're all at together. 

More Than Just a Once-a-Year Chat

Think of it like this: would you wait a whole year to tell your kids they're doing a great job or to help them if they're struggling? Of course not! You'd be there every step of the way, cheering them on and offering a helping hand.

That's exactly how we see performance management.

It’s not an annual event; it's an ongoing conversation that happens every single day.

That said, the annual review does play a super important role.

It's your chance to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. It's your roadmap for the year ahead, where you can set exciting new goals and make sure everyone has what they need to succeed.

It’s also a good way to ensure staff have the resources they need and that their time is spent best on what drives the company, giving your talented staff the space to be a superhero! 

Why We Recommend These Conversations

Annual reviews are about so much more than just numbers and metrics.

They're a chance to:

• Celebrate Your Wins: You get to look back at all the fantastic things your team has accomplished and give them the recognition they deserve. It's a chance to see how far they've come and to cheer them on!

• Create a Shared Vision: This is where you align on goals for the year ahead. You want to make sure your people's professional journey is moving in a direction that's exciting for them and aligned with the company's success.

• Give and Get Feedback: It’s a two-way street! You give a sense of how they're tracking and where you see opportunities, but it’s also a key moment for you to hear from them. You want to know what’s working, what’s not, and how you can better support them. This shows them that you care about their career and are listening to their pride in their work, which is incredibly motivating.

• Inform Your Decisions: Performance reviews give you a feel for the overall health of the organisation. It helps you understand where you need to invest more in training, resources, or even just your attention. It also helps you ensure you can fairly and transparently distribute your resources, like bonuses or promotions, based on the incredible work they all do.

• Revisit Your Systems: This is a key time to listen for bottlenecks and challenges that you know you should be addressing. By hearing directly from your people, you can identify what’s holding them back and improve the systems and processes that enable them to do their best work. 
  

Our "To Do" List for a Better Review Process

We know that anxiety can creep in when there are surprises.

We hate surprises just as much as you do!

That’s why our goal is always to help you create a culture of transparency and continuous feedback. Here's what we recommend to your leadership team:

• Talk, Talk, Talk: Regular check-ins are key. Whether it’s a quick chat in the hall or a scheduled weekly one-on-one, keeping the lines of communication open prevents those big, stressful "reveal" moments during the annual review.

• Support & Coach: Your managers should be coaches, not just critics. We want them to constantly be looking for ways to support their staff, remove obstacles, and celebrate their progress along the way.

  "A great coach is not just a cheerleader, and they are not just a critic. They are a partner in growth, offering both unwavering support and honest feedback."

• Give Specific, Timely Feedback: Waiting until the end of the year to address something isn’t helpful for anyone. Your managers should be giving praise and constructive feedback in the moment, so your people always know where they stand. 

This whole process is about creating a culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. A motivated team is a successful team!

And we know it’s not always easy to get it right. That’s why we’re here to help.

If your organisation needs a hand with this, we're the experts in helping companies build incredible, high-performing cultures. We can provide the tools and support to make your performance management process not just functional, but genuinely motivating.

Reach out to us at INTENT and let's work together to transform your approach to performance and culture. We can help you create a process that's not just about a single annual review, but about continuous growth and success for everyone.

Book a chat with us today and start dominating your business market!