They say feedback is a gift.  I’m not sure how many people are excited to accept such a gift, but I’d be remiss not to say how valuable feedback is  – especially as it relates to your employee’s professional development.

At least once a year, many organizations around the world will complete their annual performance review process. This is a time when people managers will assess   employees’ performance in a very formalized process. While the process is executed differently at every organization, the key outputs that most employees are awaiting is related to their performance rating (e.g., exceptional vs meets expectations).  Typically, this performance rating is what dictates a raise and / or promotion, something that many employees want to experience.

Unfortunately, many employees believe the performance review process is ineffective and allows no time for employee improvement.  In fact,

according to Gallup, only 14% of employees agree that their performance reviews inspire them to improve. So, what’s happening with the other 86% of employees.  What do they need?

Employees are increasingly requesting ongoing continuous feedback – not just annual performance reviews.  They believe this will provide them the opportunity to grow professionally while correcting any performance issues.  Additionally, employees also believe that these feedback check-ins will relieve anxiety as there will be no surprises when it’s time to deliver their performance review.  Finally, employees think frequent connections promotes trust with their manager.

Understanding what an employee expects from their manager, it’s time for people managers to tap into the power (and gift) of continuous feedback.  Ensure that your check-ins go beyond a check of their workload / deliverables, but include actionable items that will help them develop as a professional. And if there are concerns, provide them that direct feedback that will allow for them to make changes.  The gift of feedback is not something that should be withheld; it’s a gift that will yield positive results for both the employee and the organization.