Why Waiting for Annual Reviews Is Stalling Your Leadership Growth
It’s late March, and your annual performance review isn’t until October - yet you’ve already navigated several complex team challenges, delivered critical projects, and coached direct reports through major decisions.
For many leaders, relying solely on formal reviews means missing out on critical, timely insights that drive continuous improvement.
The Feedback Deficit in Traditional Reviews
In Australia, only about 41% of employees participate in a formal review process each year, and many HR professionals admit that these reviews are too infrequent to support real‑time leadership development.
A recent report by the Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) found that 64% of HR leaders feel that traditional performance appraisals do little to stimulate genuine growth.
When feedback is delayed, it also allows any blind spots linger, eroding trust and reducing engagement.
This delay can lead to a turnover rate of around 14% on average, with some organisations reporting rates above 20% - a statistic that translates directly into lost productivity and higher recruitment costs.
Whereas organisations with strong feedback cultures enjoy up to 37% higher employee engagement and a 23% reduction in turnover compared to peers who rely solely on annual reviews.
However, we’re going deeper here. This isn’t just about external feedback; it’s about developing self-awareness.
Self-Awareness and The Continuous Feedback Loop
Effective leadership relies on self‑awareness.
The ability to recognise how your words, decisions, and actions impact those around you.
High‑performing leaders know that feedback isn’t limited to an annual meeting; it is all around them. Every interaction offers an opportunity for insight. Every comment, every pause, and even moments of silence in team meetings can be a rich source of information if you know how to interpret it.
The key is to move away from the reactive cycle of waiting for formal reviews and towards a proactive, continuous feedback loop.
It’s the hidden superfood of leadership that most overlook.
But leaders who cultivate this habit can adjust their approach in real time, leading to a more agile and responsive leadership style.
A Five‑Step Framework to Gather Everyday Feedback
Instead of waiting for scheduled reviews, consider adopting a simple five‑step feedback framework:
Pause: At the end of key interactions, take a moment to notice your emotional response. This is not about judgement—it’s about observation.
Clarify: Ask open questions such as “What was your initial reaction to that decision/suggestion?” to understand the feedback embedded in everyday interactions.
Review: Look for recurring themes in the reactions and outcomes you observe from others. Are there consistent signals about your communication style or decision-making process?
Act: Commit to one small, actionable change. For example, if you notice that your tone in meetings may be too abrupt, resolve to speak more gently in your next session. Then, monitor the impact and adjust accordingly.
Reflect: Block 15 minutes every Friday to review feedback from the week. Maintain a journal to identify patterns and set goals for improvement.
The Business Impact
Waiting for annual reviews not only stunts your personal growth as a leader but also affects your team’s performance.
Consider continuous feedback the superfood that nourishes your leadership and ultimately, your team’s performance. Just as nutrient‑rich food fuels the body, ongoing feedback fuels self‑awareness, resilience and trust - empowering leaders to make smarter decisions, reduce burnout and create a culture where every voice matters.
Don’t “wait to be told”! By proactively gathering feedback from everyday interactions, you will deepen your self-awareness, uncover blind spots, and take action to refine your approach, which will enable you to lead with greater emotional intelligence, authenticity, and impact well ahead of your performance review.
Join Natalie Lincolne for Everything Is Feedback: Discover the Hidden Superfood of Leadership Most Leaders Overlook on Friday, 11 April 2025.
In this free, 60‑minute interactive online workshop (including live Q&A), you’ll learn how to turn everyday interactions into actionable insights that strengthen your self‑awareness, boost team engagement, and drive lasting performance.
Click here to secure your place today.
For leaders seeking deeper, sustained growth, our one‑to‑one coaching provides personalised guidance and support. on this, and much more. If you’re looking for a flexible leadership development solution, click here to learn more and enquire.