Performance Reviews: The Corporate Hunger Games

Performance Reviews: The Corporate Hunger Games

From Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb by Shannon Tipton

January 16, 2026 · 42 min · Episode 17

About this episode

Shannon and Deborah discuss the challenges and shortcomings of performance reviews in corporate America, offering practical advice for improving feedback processes.

Pop the tab on something cold and settle in — it's time for another round of Drinks After Work! This time, we're talking all about: Why performance reviews feel like going to the principal's office How the rating system is rigged (spoiler: you're never getting that 5/5) The disconnect between widget-based work and knowledge-based work Why managers wait until the last minute and copy-paste from last year What to do instead if you want actual feedback that matters In this episode, Shannon and Deborah dig into one of corporate America's most dreaded rituals: the annual performance review. From canned responses and forced rankings to managers who "never give out a 10," they break down why this outdated system leaves 80% of employees feeling uninspired and unappreciated. But they don't just vent—they also share practical advice for both managers and employees on how to make feedback meaningful, timely, and actually useful. So sip, swig, or chug — and get ready to: Stop waiting until review time to give (or get) critical feedback Learn how to care personally while challenging directly (thank you, Kim Scott) Ask the right questions during job interviews to avoid toxic review cultures…

People in this episode

Hosts: Shannon Tipton, Deborah

Topics covered

  • performance reviews
  • employee feedback
  • management practices
  • corporate culture
  • knowledge-based work

Keywords

  • performance reviews
  • employee feedback
  • management
  • corporate culture
  • knowledge work
  • feedback system
  • annual reviews

More episodes of Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Drinks After Work with Shannon and Deb podcast page.