Compliments rounds for the high-performer, while they’re silently questioning what they actually want and need.

Won’t say so though, because “can’t jeopardize potential promotion”. The chat becomes a salary chat.

Meanwhile, the reviewer is questioning with what time he’ll conduct all of these; especially the ‘high-maintenance’ ones.

Swoosh, “How are we doing?” in the inbox.

“Ugh, another survey I don’t have time for”, they think. Click away, add to the to-do list.

Swoosh, “Reminder”.

Swoosh, “Another reminder”.

“Ugh, okay - click, click, don’t care, click. Done. Bye.”

“Listen to your people.” they say.

Yeah, well…

• 1:1 lunches don’t scale

• HR data is incomplete

• surveys are questionable

• and people’s needs change all the time.

Good.
Now make policy.