The Five Conversations Framework

Dr Tim Baker developed The Five Conversations Framework as an alternative to traditional performance reviews. Dr Baker believed that traditional methods were flawed. He claimed that the key shortcomings of traditional methods include its relative failure to engage employees and its poor perception among employees. The idea of The Five Conversations Framework is to maintain a consistent dialogue with employees thereby building better working relationships and making the most of performance reviews.

The Five Conversations Framework splits performance reviews into five themes. Each month you discuss one of the topics, and aim to cover all five within a six-month period. The spare month should be used during the busy season to minimise pressure on the business. Each conversation should last around 10 – 15 minutes and be based around the flowing themes that Dr Baker outlined in his book*:

Five conversations framework

Take some time to visit the links below and explore the concept in more detail.

Dr Tim Baker, “The End of the Performance Review,” (2013). Palgrave Macmillan.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/the-five-conversations-framework.htm