HBR Guide to Performance Management (HBR Guide Series)

CHAPTER 14

How to Conduct the Review Conversation

The detailed information you’ve captured in your performance evaluation form is a helpful guide for when you sit down with your individual team members. But simply stating what is on paper won’t convince your employee to change or motivate them to continue their good work. You need to give just as much careful consideration to the discussion itself.

Much like with your ongoing feedback discussions, the logistics around your performance appraisal meeting are just as important as the points you want to communicate. Without establishing the right time, place, and tone, your message may be lost, and your direct report may not understand what to do next.

Even star performers may feel some anxiety at ...