Performance reviews don’t have to be painful.

In this episode of The Manager’s Mind, Catherine shares why traditional reviews backfire, how they damage motivation, and what to do instead. You’ll hear a true story from her own career—when hard work went unseen—and the systems she built to make reviews meaningful again.

You’ll learn how to:• Build a steady feedback rhythm that keeps people seen year-round• Make performance reviews forward-looking instead of fear-based• Recognize work in real time so your team stays motivated

Whether you’re the one giving reviews or receiving them, this episode shows you how to replace anxiety with alignment and turn evaluation into growth.

Learn more and explore leadership tools at:
https://www.yourleadershipmap.com

Research Sources Cited in This Episode (available in full at https://www.yourleadershipmap.com/managers-compass/why-performance-reviews-backfire)

All statistics and research mentioned in this episode come from the following sources:

Select Software Reviews (January 2025)"50 Must-Know Employee Recognition Statistics in 2025"

• 66% of employees would leave if they don't feel appreciated
• Lack of recognition is the #1 reason employees quit
• Only 50% believe rewards are linked to performance

People Insight (August 2025)"Employee Engagement Statistics 2025"

• 79% cite lack of appreciation as reason for quitting
• Only 35% feel valued and recognized
• Employees who receive regular feedback are 2.8x more likely to be engaged

Gallup (April 2025)"The Importance of Employee Recognition: Low Cost, High Impact"

• Only 1 in 3 U.S. workers received recognition in past seven days
• Employees not recognized are 2x as likely to quit within a year
• Top quartile engagement = 23% more profitable

Teamflect (July 2025)"Key People and Culture Statistics in Remote & Hybrid Organizations - 2025"

• Only 18% of remote employees have weekly 1-on-1s; 20% never do
• Only 24% say their manager clearly communicates expectations

65% with weekly check-ins report feeling more productive and less isolated

Spill (2025)"53 Workplace Mental Health Statistics You Can't Ignore in 2025"

• 48% say mental wellbeing declined in 2022
• 60% report feeling emotionally detached at work
• Only 13% feel comfortable discussing mental health at work

Mental Health America (May 2025)"2023 Workplace Wellness Research"

• Workers valued by leadership: 76% feel emotionally/mentally safe
• 81% in psychologically safe workplaces report stress doesn't affect mental health

Music Credits:"Background Inspiring" by Dmytro Kuvalin – licensed via Pixabay (intro and outro music).

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