The end of the year approaches, and so do performance reviews – often dreaded by everyone involved, as managers agonise over the challenge of delivering negative feedback.
Mastering the delivery of constructive, honest feedback is crucial for maintaining performance and motivation. Workplace personality and leadership consulting firm Hogan Assessments shared three essential tips to navigate difficult conversations without negatively impacting the employees’ morale and performance.
The Importance of Active Listening
Active listening is essential for fostering understanding and trust during performance reviews. According to Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments, active listening involves more than just hearing words: it requires mindful engagement to understand the speaker’s intent and concerns.
“Active listening is the key to understanding. Leaders who genuinely listen to their employees show they value their team’s input and concerns, creating a foundation of trust. When that foundation of trust is established, managers can more effectively identify any issues affecting performance and more easily uncover solutions to address them,” explains Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments.
By focusing on active listening, managers create a supportive environment where employees feel heard, which can ease the delivery of tough feedback.
Avoiding Derailments
During challenging discussions, it is essential to remain focused and avoid derailments. Managers should create an open atmosphere, free from distractions, to ensure the conversation stays on track. Dr. Sherman highlights the importance of addressing resistance calmly and with curiosity.
“When employees receive critical feedback from their managers, resistance is a natural, human response,” says Dr. Sherman. “This likely reflects a gap between the employee’s identity, which is how they view themselves, and their reputation, which is how others view them. Managers who can help their employees bridge this gap through the development of strategic self-awareness are more likely to see positive outcomes”.
By staying calm and addressing resistance with empathy, managers can turn difficult conversations into constructive dialogues.
Creating a Clear Path Forward
A performance review should never be a continuous litany of the employee’s shortcomings. After delivering feedback, it is vital to end the conversation with a clear plan for moving forward, to help employees leverage their strengths and address areas for improvement.
“Change is more easily experienced in a safe, listening atmosphere,” said Dr. Sherman. “When team members can review a new process and experience transformations gradually, adjustments are easier to enact. By doing so, leaders make their employees feel more supported and empowered, which can ultimately help to establish trust and boost engagement.”