How Do You Balance Formal Evaluations With Ongoing Feedback?

How Do You Balance Formal Evaluations With Ongoing Feedback?

Navigating the need for structured performance evaluations with the growing preference for continuous feedback can be challenging. We've gathered insights from leaders such as a DEI Consultant Manager and a Marketing Head on striking this delicate balance. From two-way feedback in regular 1:1s to making time for casual check-ins, discover the experts’ top four strategies.

• Regular 1:1s With Two-Way Feedback
• Weekly Check-Ins and Monthly Reviews
• Real-Time Recognition and Open-Door Policy
• Casual Chats to Foster Open Dialogue

Regular 1:1s With Two-Way Feedback

An easy technique to make feedback more regular without increasing the burden of written reviews is to incorporate feedback into regular 1:1s with your direct report. Start with a very basic template for 1:1 meetings with direct reports where you each can add agenda items for discussion ahead of the meeting. Then, at the top of each meeting, start with the items: 'The feedback I have for you is ___' and 'What feedback do you have for me?' By making two-way feedback a regular occurrence, it will make the burden of giving and receiving feedback diminish over time.

Weekly Check-Ins and Monthly Reviews

We balance this with weekly check-ins and monthly in-depth reviews. This mix transforms feedback into an ongoing conversation, not just an annual occurrence. It keeps everyone aligned with expectations and quick to polish any rough edges. It's all about ensuring we're all in sync and moving in the same direction.

Real-Time Recognition and Open-Door Policy

Balancing formal reviews and informal feedback is key. Set long-term objectives and evaluate success in an organized manner with annual evaluations. However, depending solely on them can cause employees to feel disengaged and miss out on opportunities for advancement.

To bridge the gap, I implemented a few strategies:

Monthly check-ins: I schedule brief, informal chats to discuss current projects, address roadblocks, and provide constructive feedback on recent work.

Real-time recognition: I actively praise good work during or right after it's done. This reinforces positive behaviors and keeps employees motivated.

Open-door policy: I encourage open communication where employees feel comfortable seeking feedback or discussing challenges throughout the month.

By combining formal reviews with these ongoing practices, I foster a culture of continuous development and keep employees engaged between annual evaluations.

Casual Chats to Foster Open Dialogue

As TP-Link’s Marketing Head, I’m responsible for ensuring our team is performing at their best. We’ve found a way to blend formal performance reviews with continuous feedback seamlessly.

Formal assessments are a great way to measure our team’s progress, allowing us to drill down into successes and areas for improvement. However, we also understand the value of informal assessments. It’s the secret ingredient that keeps things running smoothly.

We have created an environment where feedback is shared openly. Whether over a cup of coffee or during a quick chat at lunch, we foster a culture of open dialogue. This allows for real-time problem-solving and minor changes to be made before more significant issues arise.

Combining formal assessments with ongoing face-to-face feedback creates a culture where everyone feels valued and encouraged to progress. It’s not just about meeting goals; it’s about developing talent and building a culture of continual improvement.

It works! It motivates our team, keeps them engaged, and prepares them for success.