For some, the annual performance appraisal is a redundant farce. For others, it is the most important leadership tool. Few leadership tools are as controversially discussed as this one. This issue requires a nuanced perspective and future-proof answers.

This lecture clarifies several fundamental aspects:

• Why it is crucial to distinguish between formal and informal conversations leaders might have with their employees?
• Why reflecting on an alternative solution should start with the problem, not the solution.
• Why a standardized tool cannot work in diverse contexts and how to address this heterogeneous reality.
• Why the difference between self-control and external control is central and what this specifically means in practice.
• Where individual goal setting is useful and where this approach can be toxic or at least dysfunctional.
• What the difference is between feedback and formal judgement and why the two should not be mixed.

This lecture sheds light on the sometimes convoluted discussion around performance appraisal. It helps to properly sort out the issues and provides guidance for the design or realignment of helpful and meaningful leadership tools.

CEOs, executives, board members, works council, leaders, managers, CHROs, HR directors, HR professionals, heads of training & development, consultants, leadership coaches and employees.