Review-phobic?

Giving employees annual reviews is one item on a business owner’s to-do list that’s constantly on the back burner. Writing reviews and having what may be difficult conversations with staffers isn’t something most bosses look forward to.

Owners can defuse these annual events and make them more effective by giving staffers ongoing feedback — positive and negative. When employers have fewer unpleasant surprises for workers, and staffers know where they stand well before a review, the yearly sit-down can focus on progress made and how to keep the momentum going.

Human resources consultants suggest that review conversations be positive and structured around goals: setting them and determining what the employee requires, or must do, to achieve them. Discussing these goals in the context of the company’s overall needs can help staffers understand that they have an important role in a business.

Owners should also come to review meetings ready to listen; staffers often have information about a company’s daily operations including problems and challenges that an owner doesn’t have. That perspective can be useful in assessing how a staffer is doing, and in helping a boss better manage the business.

Holding review meetings more frequently — quarterly is ideal, according to some HR pros — can also make them more effective.

If you need guidance about writing reviews or discussing them with staffers, talk with an HR consultant, or look at the many guides and resources available online.