Why should you deliver an experience?

While working in fast-paced environments, many of us often face the challenge of managing performance in a way that drives improvement without dampening morale of the team members. Performance reviews are mostly typical — assessments, feedback, and setting targets for the next quarter. However, we noticed that many employees left these meetings feeling discouraged rather than motivated.

I’d like to share one particular incident -? An employee who had been struggling with their metrics came in for their review, and was being put on a performance improvement program, aka the dreaded PIP. Under normal circumstances, the conversation might have focused solely on the numbers, highlighting areas where they fell short. However this time, we decided to take a different approach—one that focused on delivering an experience, not just a review. An approach that helped the employee understand that we were genuinely here to help and not simply use this as a means to terminate the employee.

Instead of diving straight into the metrics, we started by asking the employee about their challenges at work and what support they felt they needed in order to improve their performance. We then reframed the discussion—not as a critique, but as a collaborative effort to identify growth opportunities. Together, we set realistic goals, provided resources for improvement, and established regular check-ins to monitor progress.

But we didn’t stop there. We also introduced peer mentoring, connecting the employee with a high-performing colleague who could offer guidance and share best practices. This not only helped the employee improve but also fostered a sense of community and support within the team.

The result? The employee not only met but exceeded their targets in the following months. More importantly, they felt valued, supported, and motivated to contribute to the team’s success. The performance review became more than just a service—it was an experience that empowered the employee to grow and excel.

In many organizations, where the focus is often on numbers and efficiency, it’s easy to lose sight of the human element. But when we shift our perspective and focus on delivering experiences that truly engage and support our employees, we create an environment where both people and business can thrive.

Whether it’s onboarding, performance reviews, or employee development programs, I have learned that delivering an experience makes all the difference. It’s not just about ticking off boxes or following procedures. It’s about making every interaction count and showing employees that they are valued, respected, and essential to the organization’s success.

In HR, it’s never just about handling grievances or managing talent or performance—it’s about creating experiences that inspire trust, growth and success. It’s what transforms good workplaces into great ones !