How to write performance reviews: It’s time for a revolution

Imagine you're a professional athlete, sitting down to review game film. You're not just rehashing old plays; you're looking for the subtle shifts that can turn a good performance into a great one. Now, imagine bringing that same approach to performance reviews in the business world. This is the Performance Preview Revolution.

Traditional performance reviews are like watching an old movie you've seen already - it’s predictable, boring, and unlikely to change the ending. But what if you could turn that boring review into a compelling preview? What if you could use past performance as a springboard for future success?

That's where the Annual Performance Preview comes in. It's not about dwelling on the past; it's about using the past to inform the future. This is where you take both the wounds and wins from the past year and turn them into applied wisdom you can use tomorrow. It's about identifying patterns, recognizing strengths, and pinpointing areas for improvement. It's about transforming feedback into feed-forward. 

Here's how it works. 

First, you review the 'game film' - the past year's performance. But you're not just looking for mistakes; you're looking for opportunities. You're looking for those moments of brilliance that you can replicate and those missteps that you can learn from. A great asset to use in these discussions is a 360-peer review. Done right, a 360 can give you a great data set and “highlight reel” to make these discussions far more meaningful.

Next, you set the stage for the 'best year yet'. This is a concept we teach in our Accelerated Leader Programs. You tether those you work with to a clear and resonant vision of the future - one that they create for themselves. You set clear, achievable goals that align with the individual's aspirations and the organization's objectives. Together, you create a roadmap for success that is grounded in reality but deeply connected to that meaningful vision.

Then, you need to keep the conversation going. A Performance Preview isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing dialogue. Regular check-ins ensure that you're on track, provide opportunities for course correction, and reinforce the message that you're invested in their success.

Finally, make sure to celebrate progress. Every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. By celebrating these victories, you foster a culture of positivity, resilience, and continuous improvement.

The Performance Preview is more than just a new approach to performance reviews. It's a revolution. It's a way to turn the mundane into the meaningful, the routine into the remarkable, and the old and crusty into something fresh and new.

As I write in my book, The Science Behind Success, "Success is not a destination, it's a journey towards something meaningful." And the Performance Preview is likely your ticket to the best journey yet for those who work with you.