How To Make Performance Reviews More Positive, Productive And Impactful
Have you ever been asked a performance review question that made you think, “Wow, that’s great!”, or one that completely missed the mark?
If you’re responsible for conducting year-end reviews, you already know the challenge: some questions feel mandatory but fail to spark meaningful dialogue or inspire growth.
That’s why we’ve curated a list of thoughtful, forward-focused questions designed to make the reviews you conduct with your team more positive, productive, and impactful: for both your team members and the organization you’re building together.
Setting your intentions and mindset for the performance review:
Performance reviews are more than a formality: they’re a chance to strengthen relationships, recognize growth, and set a clear path forward. When approached with curiosity and empathy, these conversations can energize your team and build trust.
Instead of focusing solely on metrics or ratings, try using open-ended questions that invite reflection and dialogue.
Some questions to help guide a more meaningful review:
- What’s going well in your role right now?
- What obstacles are you facing, and how can I support you?
- Where do you see opportunities to improve techniques or processes?
- How do you measure progress or success in your role?
- Do you feel like you’re growing professionally? What makes you say that?
- What interests you about your current projects?
- What’s one thing that could make your work more satisfying, and why?
- Which areas would you like more feedback on?
- What goals should we set for next year?
If you sense disengagement during the performance review process, or you need to bring up a potential performance issue, name what you’re observing and pause:
“I’m sensing something might be off based on [specific observations]. I’d like to understand better.”. Then listen without interrupting.
The most effective reviews are conversations, not checklists. They’re a chance to connect, clarify expectations, and co-create a vision for the future. When you lead with empathy and curiosity, you create space for honest dialogue and lasting motivation.
