It’s time for a reframe
Performance gets a bad rap. It’s often reduced to a cold business metric - something detached, focused purely on numbers and results. But performance is actually about people. It’s intrinsically linked to wellbeing, success, and overall life satisfaction.
Here are some ways to think about performance differently.
Performance isn’t about catching mistakes or calling people out, it’s about helping people improve. When seen through this lens, performance feedback becomes a tool for growth, not criticism.
No one is expected to be at 100% all the time. What matters is forward momentum. Recognising effort and small wins keeps motivation high and builds confidence.
High performance doesn’t come from stress, at least not high performance that can be sustained. Instead, it comes from feeling equipped and supported. Clear goals, the right resources, and an environment that encourages learning all make a difference.
When mistakes are treated as part of the process, people feel safer to take risks, try new things, and ask for help along the way.
Performance isn’t about pressure, perfection, or relentless output. It’s about enabling people to do their best work in a way that’s sustainable and fulfilling. When reframed as an act of care, it shifts from something to fear into something that drives growth, confidence, and success.