The Relationship Performance Review

For many years during my professional career, I was not a fan of either giving or receiving a performance review.  True, these reviews provided a time for reflection and often a chance to give someone a “pat on the back” for accomplishments.  But, the reviews also became an opportunity to give or receive that dreaded critique (often referred to as “personal development”).  

However, now I view the annual performance review as something of a necessity in determining the health of the relationship between my coworkers and myself, as well as assessing the satisfaction level I have with the overall organization.  In fact, the regular one-on-one meetings throughout the year between managers and employees ensure that everyone is on the same page, and that the organization is on track to achieve its goals.  There are minimal, if any surprises, when the end of the year arrives on the calendar; everyone has a clear understanding of past wins and future expectations.

So, what if, in our personal relationships, we considered having ongoing conversations during a given time period to assess the happiness and satisfaction levels of each partner?  By conducting this relationship check-in, I’m confident we could improve the health of our relationship and, in some cases, slow or halt its decline. 

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