1. Set aside some time to really think about what you want to say. This is not the time to wing it! Your staff deserve your undivided attention, and that means taking the time to really think about what you want to say. What are their strengths? What areas do they need to improve in? What goals would you like to set for them in the coming year? Jot down some notes ahead of time so that you can be sure to cover everything you want to during the review. If the coach has a specific skill or trait that helps to make them special, point it out and nurture that skill and watch it grow in ways that benefit the coach and your gym!
2. Be honest and constructive with your feedback. One of the worst things you can do during a review is sugarcoat things or avoid giving honest feedback. Your employees need to know where they stand, and they need to know what areas they need to work on. That being said, it's important to remember to be Constructive with your feedback as well. No one wants to be berated or made to feel inferior - instead, focus on giving feedback that will help them improve in the coming year. If your year end review is mostly you telling the coach everything they did wrong, you may find yourself needed new coaches for the new year.
3. Use this opportunity to set goals for the coming year. A review is not just a chance for you to reflect on the past year - it's also an opportunity to set goals for the coming year. What do you want your employees to accomplish in the next 12 months? What steps do they need to take in order to get there? Be specific and realistic with your goals, and make sure that your employees have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
Conclusion:
Conducting employee year-end reviews can be a daunting task, but it's an important part of being a Climbing coach or gym owner. By taking the time to prepare ahead of time, being honest and constructive with your feedback, and setting clear goals for the coming year, you can make sure that your reviews are productive and helpful for both you and your employees.