Dr. Kerry O’Grady on Rethinking How You Communicate About Employee Reviews
Whether you dread it or see it as a golden opportunity, the employee review is as ubiquitous to the traditional workplace experience as a free pretzel day or casual Friday. But if leaders conduct reviews the right way, they’re not going to do a whole lot for your employees in the long run.
When reviews are a key path to ascending the leadership ladder, how can you talk to your employees about them, and during them, in an impactful way? How can managers help build culture through reviews?
We spoke with Dr. Kerry O’Grady, director of teaching excellence at the Columbia Business School, to learn more about how comms pros and managers can make reviews more meaningful.
From CommPRO:
This article provides a fresh perspective on employee reviews, emphasizing their potential as tools for growth rather than merely transactional checkpoints. Dr. Kerry O’Grady, an expert in communication and teaching excellence, outlines critical steps for transforming reviews into meaningful conversations. The article argues that reviews should be part of an ongoing feedback loop rather than isolated events, promoting continuous development and alignment with company goals.
Communicators should read this article because it highlights the importance of strategic communication in employee reviews. It demonstrates how clear, empathetic, and mission-focused feedback can foster a positive workplace culture. By integrating HR and communications efforts, reviews can become collaborative, transparent, and constructive processes. This approach not only reduces the anxiety often associated with reviews but also enhances employee engagement and performance. The insights provided by Dr. O’Grady offer practical advice for communicators to help shape a more supportive and effective review process.
