1-on-1 Performance Conversations: Mid-Year Review

 

Alhamdulillah, done concluded all our one-on-one performance conversations with the Process team: Dari Tower 2, ke Blok Mawar, Chemara dan Route 66😊. 

I try my best to make it a point to conduct these sessions, physically where possible, as a productive tool for 360-degree improvement. For some of our new recruits, it’s their first time ever conducting a 1-on-1 performance review discussion, so I also saw this as a chance to provide a positive working experience for them. 

Here are a few key pointers I keep in mind all throughout: 

1. Set the right Tone – Make it clear, what is the intention behind this exercise, and that we are here to help each other with the catch-up plan. If we leaders put in the conscious effort to build the right environment: Little human touches like setting a calm, kind, and encouraging tone, mindfully being aware of our words to remove sarcasm or being condescending, especially when providing constructive feedback... all these little things can make all the difference between a demoralizing interrogation or an inspiring call to action. 

2. Utilitze Feedback effectively – This is the space that we get to demonstrate our commitment to the Growth Mindset. Provide honest, open and personalized feedback (not copy-paste stuff. For me, I try not even to refer to the same feedback from the previous year, for the same person!). In her book "Radical candor", author Kim Scott emphasizes that the key to effective feedback is through two key elements: Challenge Directly, and Care personally. Be tough AND be kind. 

 

3. "Don't get mad, get curious": Training yourself to get better at receiving constructive feedback. What I've learnt is, we need to separate "me" from "My work" - Don't make it personal. Think of it as a criticism of your work, not you as a person. Learn approach it with humility, and curiosity like a student hungry to learn: "what did you mean by that?", "tell me more". Learn to approach them with a sincere attitude to learn and enhance ourselves.

Glad we got through it with all smiles in the end. Wishing the team all the best, throughout 2024 and beyond!