Reimagine Annual Reviews: Build Trust, Foster Growth, and Lead with Intention

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In this episode of PsychLeadership, we explore the psychology behind effective annual reviews and how leaders can use these conversations to inspire growth, foster trust, and drive engagement. Learn how to approach annual reviews with empathy, emotional intelligence, and a focus on development, ensuring that feedback is actionable and empowering. We’ll discuss how to balance recognition and constructive criticism, co-create goals, and tie individual contributions to the bigger picture of organizational success. This is your guide to transforming annual reviews from stressful checklists into meaningful dialogues that strengthen team dynamics and drive progress.

REFERENCES: 

Servant Leadership:

• Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Paulist Press.

• Liden, R. C., Wayne, S. J., Zhao, H., & Henderson, D. (2008). Servant leadership: Development of a multidimensional measure and multi-level assessment. The Leadership Quarterly, 19(2), 161-177.

Emotional Intelligence:

• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.

• Mayer, J. D., Salovey, P., & Caruso, D. R. (2008). Emotional intelligence: New ability or eclectic traits? American Psychologist, 63(6), 503-517.

Growth Mindset:

• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.

• Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2012). Mindsets that promote resilience: When students believe that personal characteristics can be developed. Educational Psychologist, 47(4), 302-314.

Equity and Fairness:

• Adams, J. S. (1965). Inequity in social exchange. In L. Berkowitz (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology (Vol. 2, pp. 267-299). Academic Press.

• Colquitt, J. A., Conlon, D. E., Wesson, M. J., Porter, C. O., & Ng, K. Y. (2001). Justice at the millennium: A meta-analytic review of 25 years of organizational justice research. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86(3), 425-445.

Authentic Communication:

• Avolio, B. J., Gardner, W. L., Walumbwa, F. O., Luthans, F., & May, D. R. (2004). Unlocking the mask: A look at the process by which authentic leaders impact follower attitudes and behaviors. The Leadership Quarterly, 15(6), 801-823.

• George, B. (2003). Authentic leadership: Rediscovering the secrets to creating lasting value. Jossey-Bass.

Empowerment:

• Conger, J. A., & Kanungo, R. N. (1988). The empowerment process: Integrating theory and practice. Academy of Management Review, 13(3), 471-482.

• Spreitzer, G. M. (1995). Psychological empowerment in the workplace: Dimensions, measurement, and validation. Academy of Management Journal, 38(5), 1442-1465.

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