Empowering team reviews is essential to keep employees engaged, motivated, and aligned with their roles. This past Sunday, I had brunch with friends I worked with when I entered the estate planning industry 17 years ago. Over the years, we’ve remained incredibly close, like family. This bond wasn’t just formed by our shared experience as transplants and the consistent sense of community cultivated at the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys (NNEPA), where we started our careers together.
The Power of Connection Through Empowering Team Reviews
As customary during our gatherings, we each shared updates about our lives. Inevitably, the inaugural question surfaced: “How’s work?”
Cara’s Journey with Empowering Team Reviews
Cara, a long-time friend, has always spoken about her job with unmatched passion and pride, as though the sign on her company’s building bore her name. She’s been with her firm for six years, frequently sharing her personal goal of retiring in 2021 and all the meticulous plans she’s put in place to ensure a seamless transition for her colleagues.
However, on this occasion, her tone shifted. “I’ve spent the last eight months wrestling with my future here,” she began. “This past year, I’ve felt increasingly unsure whether this was still the place for me. With so many changes and no communication, it felt like we were all showing up, working our tails off, and heading home. The camaraderie we once shared faded, and power struggles began brewing on the team. It started to feel like ‘defend and protect’ replaced our motto of ‘collaborate and connect.’ I thought this was my dream job, but I wasn’t longer sure.”
A Moment of Recognition Through Empowering Reviews
Her anguish was evident, a rare sight for someone as vibrant as Cara. But then her expression brightened as she continued. “Last month, I was called into the conference room. To my surprise, all the leaders were seated at the table. As I frantically took notes about a new national launch they were discussing, my direct boss began laughing. I looked up, puzzled, and he said, ‘Cara, we didn’t call you here to assign another project. We called you to present you with the President’s Club Award, the highest honor here. Along with this award, we’re giving you a bonus we think you’ll be very pleased with.’”
Cara’s joy and gratitude were palpable. This recognition reignited her passion for her role and reaffirmed her alignment with her dream job.
Keeping the “Caras” Engaged with Empowering Team Reviews
Unfortunately, too many “Caras” roam the halls of workplaces, feeling disconnected and uncertain. In the beginning, regular check-ins and reviews provide clarity and direction. But over time, “water-cooleritis” spreads, creating a culture of miscommunication and disengagement.
If your company lacks a structured approach to employee reviews and you’re committed to keeping your “Caras” engaged rather than searching for fulfillment elsewhere, we’ve got you covered.
Check out our free resources on our website, fire.h50.us/~hrgnmpwr/dev2/, for more tips on improving team engagement. Learn more on our blogs and subscribe to our weekly podcasts.
Champions of your continued growth,
Molly Hall McGrath
