Rethinking Performance Conversations: Growth, Wellness, and Showing Up as You Are

Mar 5, 2026

It’s that time of year again. You know the one… managers scrambling to gather “yearly feedback” and employees bracing themselves for the annual performance review conversation.

If I’m honest… it’s a bit cringe.

Recently, I was talking with a client, and we all agreed that it was time for a shift. The traditional approach to performance reviews — forms, ratings, organizational goals, and extensive documentation — often feels bureaucratic, stressful, and disconnected from the reality of people’s work and lives.

We asked ourselves a few simple questions:

  • Why do we call it performance?

  • Why — and what — are we all trying to “perform,” and to what end?

  • What if the conversation wasn’t about performing at all?

  • What if it was about growth, wellness, and support?

Landing on simplicity

The solution wasn’t complicated. In fact, it was intentionally simple:

  • No big rollout

  • No new forms

  • No grand communication plan

  • No massive organizational or people goals

  • No records kept just for the sake of records

The idea is to shift the intention of existing 1:1 conversations rather than layering on new processes or expectations.

Managers now ask three core questions during these conversations:

  1. How are you doing?

  2. What would you like to grow into (if anything)?

  3. How can I support you?

That’s it. No ratings, no forced goals, no stress about performance scoring.

The most important realization

Not everyone needs to constantly be chasing the next goal. Sometimes people are doing great exactly where they are.

Sometimes the job of a manager is simply to create space, listen, and support.

We are so much more than a productivity wheel — and HR should reflect that. The work I do with clients isn’t about implementing HR for the sake of HR. It’s about creating the space to question old approaches, replace outdated systems, and make work more human.

“Show Up as You Are” Conversations

To reflect this philosophy, we’re experimenting with a new name for these chats:

  • Show Up Chats

  • Be You Conversations

  • Growth & Wellness Conversations

The point is simple: these are spaces for people to show up as they are, reflect, share what matters, and receive support. No forms, no ratings, no judgment — just real, human conversations.

These conversations aren’t about performance management. They’re about wellbeing, growth, and meaningful connection. They remind us that work is not just about productivity — it’s about people.

💡 Key takeaway: If your organization is still clinging to traditional performance reviews, consider whether the system serves your people — or just bureaucracy. Sometimes, the most impactful change is the simplest: creating intentional space for authentic, human conversations. And of course, if you want more support in making this shift, I’m always here — reach out; I’d love to hear from you!