Use Performance Reviews to Develop as a Leadership Coach

Tina-Schuricht • April 23, 2024

Share this article

Use performance reviews to develop as a leadership coach by creating an intentional dialogue that encourages change and growth.

The Value of Performance Reviews

Performance reviews provide a structured approach to understanding an individual’s strengths, areas for improvement, and growth potential. In the context of leadership coaching, performance reviews serve as a mirror, reflecting the leader’s current abilities and areas that require attention.

In my opinion, performance reviews are one of the most overlooked and underrated opportunities to act as a leadership coach.  By definition, performance reviews create an intentional dialogue that assesses the current state and encourages change and growth.  It has continued to surprise me that some leaders never conduct performance reviews and even more don’t put the time and effort in to make them effective coaching engagements.

What holds us back from acting as a Leadership Coach?

So why don’t some leaders take the time to act as a leadership coach and execute performance reviews? Because it’s hard.  It takes time and thought.  It takes the discipline of being clear about the goals and the flexibility to adjust with changes in scope and context.  And it takes the courage to be honest about how team members are doing both in writing and verbally.  In short, it takes emotional intelligence, a growth mindset, and energy…all of which seem to be in short supply these days.

Improve your skills as a Leadership Coach

As a leadership coach, how can you make the performance review process easier and more fulfilling for both you and the team member?  Here are a few ideas:

Ensure team members have clear goals

Heck, ask your team members to take the lead on setting their goals!  What an amazing sense of accountability and ownership they could have for their performance.

Don’t wait to document or talk about performance until the annual performance review

U se goals in your 1:1s, or at a minimum conduct a mid-year check-in.  It is hard to remember all of the amazing things that have happened for a whole year. Stay on top of achievements and course corrections and you’re bound to have a more accurate assessment of performance at the end of the year.

Gather input from your team members in the form of a self-review

Have your team members assess themselves against their goals.  Which goals went well and what could have gone better?  What did you learn?  How are you using that learning? I think you’ll find this to be a time saver as most of what team members document should be usable in their review (if they are relatively self-aware).  It can also give you an indication of how far apart you are on performance assessments to help you prepare for the conversation.

Collect feedback from peers, other leaders, and team members and take it seriously

If you take the time to collect feedback, use it to share real examples of where the team members crushed it and where they didn’t.  And share the feedback (anonymously, if promised) with your team members.

Set aside time to document performance

Document each goal, how the team member assessed themselves against the goal, and how you as their leadership coach assessed them so that you can see where you have alignment and where you don’t.  Document where both the achievements and gaps are based on all of the inputs.  Send the document to the team member in advance of the meeting (at least 24 hours).

Get in the mindset of a Leadership Coach during the conversation

Use the document as a backdrop for the conversation.  Ask the team member to take the lead.  What are you most proud of this period?  What surprised you?  Where would you like to focus? Where would you like to go next? Ask lots of questions.  Give the team member a sense of ownership for their performance and their future.  This approach can build trust, increase transparency, and promote a culture of continuous learning.

Conclusion

Performance reviews are a critical component of leadership coaching. They provide a structured approach to assessing performance, fostering open communication, and informing the future direction. Ensure you have clear goals, make it a habit to assess performance all year (not just once a year), gather input from the team member and their stakeholders and use it in your assessment, take the time to prepare, and be in the mindset of a leadership coach during the conversation. By integrating performance reviews into leadership coaching, organizations can develop effective leaders who are equipped to meet their objectives and lead their teams to success.

Do you want to learn more about leadership coaching and how to use the performance review process to improve as a leadership coach?  Reach out !  I’d love to connect.

Recent Posts

Rediscover Passion in Your Career
By Tina Schuricht February 13, 2026
Reconnect with your purpose, embrace learning, build relationships, celebrate wins, and be open to change, to rediscover passion in your career and love what you do.
Staying Committed in February
By Tina Schuricht February 6, 2026
Revisit your “why,” break goals into manageable steps, build accountability, and celebrate success to sustain your momentum and turn your resolutions into realities.
Hand holding smartphone inside a cage, symbolizing addiction to technology. Yellow background.
By Tina Schuricht January 30, 2026
Taking a digital detox is an act of leadership that enhances effectiveness and fosters a more mindful, resilient, and innovative workplace.
Person in yellow hoodie and shorts sits on bench, head down, knees up, next to a basketball, chain-link fence in background.
By Tina Schuricht January 23, 2026
Reframing failure and using it as fuel for growth opens ourselves up to new possibilities and greater resilience to achieve what we desire. Our response matters.
Woman with a black shaker and bag walking on a track, smiling, outdoors.
By Tina Schuricht January 9, 2026
The power of micro-habits lies in their ability to bypass resistance and foster consistency leading to lasting change.
Woman with closed eyes frames face with outstretched hands.
By Tina Schuricht January 9, 2026
To move from burnout to boundaries, you must lead with grace - show up authentically, honor your limits, and invite others to do the same
Success Your Own Way
By Tina Schuricht December 24, 2025
Explore the fluid nature of achievement and how the definition of success evolves throughout different life stages from external markers toward internal ones.
Computer with Christmas lights draped around the screen and keyboard, on a desk in an office.
By Tina Schuricht December 12, 2025
The holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and connection—but for many neurodivergent professionals, it also introduces sensory overload, social pressure, and disrupted routines. As a leader, your ability to create inclusive environments during this time isn’t just compassionate—it’s strategic. Neurodivergent team members may experience the holidays differently due to sensitivities around noise, light, crowds, or changes in structure. By leading with awareness and adaptability, you can foster belonging while reducing unnecessary stress. Why Holidays Can Be Challenging for Neurodivergent Employees Sensory Overload: Office parties, decorations, music, and crowded spaces can be overwhelming. Social Expectations : Unspoken norms around gift exchanges, small talk, or group activities may feel confusing or exhausting. Routine Disruption : Shifts in schedules, travel, and year-end deadlines can heighten anxiety or executive functioning challenges. Masking Pressure : The pressure to “fit in” or appear festive can lead to emotional fatigue and burnout. Inclusive Strategies for Leaders Here’s how you can support neurodivergent team members with grace and intentionality: Offer Opt-In Social Events Make participation optional and clearly communicate that declining is welcome. Provide alternative ways to connect—like virtual gratitude walls or one-on-one appreciation notes. Create Sensory-Friendly Spaces If hosting in-person events, designate quiet zones. Avoid flashing lights, loud music, or strong scents. Ask for input on what feels comfortable. Respect Communication Preferences Some team members may prefer written updates over verbal announcements or need extra time to process changes. Use multiple formats and give advance notice for schedule shifts. Honor Routine and Flexibility Maintain predictable workflows where possible. Offer flexible hours, remote options, or asynchronous participation in holiday activities. Model Inclusive Language Avoid assumptions like “everyone loves this time of year.” Instead, acknowledge diverse experiences and invite open dialogue: “We know the holidays feel different for everyone—let us know how we can support you.” Educate and Empower Your Team Share resources on neurodiversity. Encourage peer learning and normalize accommodations as part of a thriving workplace culture. Leadership That Listens Inclusive leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. When you listen deeply, adapt thoughtfully, and lead with empathy, you create a workplace where every team member feels seen, respected, and safe to show up as they are.  This holiday season, let your leadership be a gift: one that honors difference, invites authenticity, and celebrates connection in all its forms. Reach out if you want to talk more about strategies to support all of your team members this holiday season.
By Tina Schuricht December 10, 2025
In this episode of Success Your Own Way , Alex Popp shares his inspiring shift from a successful R&D & Sourcing career at General Mills to purpose-driven entrepreneurship rooted in permaculture. After a spiritual awakening in 2022 shifted his trajectory, he left corporate life and founded PermaCulture Party in February 2024. Shortly after, he met his fiancé, Chanel, and together—they transform landscapes into foodscapes, host plant & dance parties, gift trees, plants and food forests to children through Neighborhood Forest, and cultivate eco-conscious-tourism through Airbnb experiences. Alex discusses how his definition of success evolved—from career milestones to heart-led impact, gratitude, and alignment with the natural world. Mentorship played a key role, from family and colleagues to permaculture guides and business coaches. He explains permaculture as a framework for living in harmony with Earth, guided by three ethics: People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share. His proudest moments include proposing to Chanel and hosting a PermaCulture Party at Earth Vibe Festival, where his vision of planting a food forest while dancing and playing at a conscious festival came to life. Alex encourages listeners to: 🔥 Discover their soul’s purpose 🧘‍♂️ Use meditation to tune into intuition 💡 Plan wisely before making career shifts 🌱 Explore permaculture through books, videos, or design courses  His story is a powerful reminder to live intentionally, embrace abundance, and trust the journey.
By Tina Schuricht December 5, 2025
Let’s be honest, staying healthy during the holidays is challenging. And I’m not just talking about physical; maintaining your mental health can be a challenge, too. Between festive gatherings, travel, and year-end deadlines, it’s easy to lose sight of our well-being. The good news? With a few intentional choices, you can protect your physical and mental health while still embracing the spirit of the season. Prioritize Mental Health with Boundaries and Balance Set Realistic Expectations You don’t have to do it all. Choose what matters most—whether it’s quality time with loved ones, rest, or meaningful traditions—and let go of the rest. Perfection isn’t the goal; presence is. Schedule Downtime Block out time to recharge, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Read, journal, take a walk, or simply breathe. Protecting your peace is a form of leadership. Say “No” with Kindness It’s okay to decline invitations or step back from obligations that drain you. A simple, “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m not able to join this time,” honors both your needs and the relationship. Stay Connected—Your Way If large gatherings feel overwhelming, opt for smaller meetups or one-on-one check-ins. Connection doesn’t have to be loud or crowded to be meaningful. Support Physical Health with Gentle Consistency Move Your Body Daily You don’t need a gym or a perfect routine. Stretch in the morning, dance in the kitchen, or take a brisk walk after meals. Movement boosts mood, digestion, and energy. Hydrate and Nourish Amid holiday treats and toasts, don’t forget water and balanced meals. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast and aim for colorful, whole foods when possible. Sleep Like It’s Sacred Late nights are common this time of year, but consistent sleep is key to immunity, focus, and emotional regulation. Try to keep a regular bedtime and wind down with calming rituals. Listen to Your Body Pay attention to signs of fatigue, tension, or overwhelm. Your body is wise—honor its cues with rest, movement, or support. Celebrate with Intention Health isn’t about restriction—it’s about alignment. What brings you joy? What helps you feel grounded? Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, a shared meal, or a moment of gratitude, let your celebrations reflect your values. And if this season feels heavy or complicated, know that you’re not alone. Reach out. Ask for help. Offer grace to yourself and others.  Because the most meaningful gift you can give—at home, at work, or in your community—is your whole, healthy self. Reach out if you want to talk more about how to maintain your health throughout this holiday season.
Show More