The power of emotion in annual reviews: why leaders should focus on feelings

As a leader, one of the most important responsibilities you have is conducting annual reviews with your team members. This is a time to reflect on the past year, discussing successes and challenges, and setting objectives for the year ahead. However, it's not just about the facts and figures. It's also about the feelings.

Why? Because how your team members feel during their annual review has a significant impact on their engagement, motivation, and productivity for the coming year. Here's why you as a leader should focus on how you make your team members feel during these essential discussions.

1. Emotion and Engagement

Research has shown that emotional engagement is a key factor in employee motivation and productivity. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged in their work, leading to higher performance and productivity. During the annual review, taking the time to express appreciation and recognize the individual's contribution can make them feel valued, boosting their engagement.

2. Empathy and Connection

Empathy is a powerful leadership tool. By understanding and acknowledging the feelings of your team members, you can build a strong emotional connection with them. This connection can enhance their sense of belonging and commitment to the team and the organization. In the context of the annual review, empathetic communication can involve acknowledging the challenges they faced, appreciating their effort, and understanding their aspirations for the future.

3. Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Success

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a critical component of effective leadership. It involves understanding, using, and managing emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, and overcome challenges. By focusing on how your team members feel during their annual review, you are not only demonstrating high EQ, but you are also fostering an environment where emotional intelligence is valued and developed.

4. Building Trust and Loyalty

When you focus on the feelings of your team members during their annual review, you show them that you care about them as individuals, not just as employees. This can build trust and loyalty, which are crucial for a healthy and productive team dynamic.

5. Inspiring Future Performance

Finally, by focusing on feelings during the annual review, you can inspire your team members for the year ahead. By making them feel valued and appreciated, you can motivate them to strive for greater success. Moreover, by understanding their feelings and aspirations, you can set objectives for the next year that truly resonate with them, leading to higher motivation and commitment.

As a leader, the way you make your team members feel during their annual review matters. It's not just about assessing the past and planning for the future, it's about engaging the hearts of your team members, making them feel valued, and inspiring them for the journey ahead. This emotional focus can lead to higher engagement, stronger team connections, and better performance - making it a win-win for everyone involved.