Episode 55

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Published on:

24th Oct 2025

55. Stop Treating Reviews Like an Event — They Should Be a Rhythm

Stop Treating Reviews Like an Event — They Should Be a Rhythm

Episode 5 in the series Execution That Scales

Most organizations dread performance reviews. They’re awkward, backward-looking, and almost always owned by HR instead of the leaders who should be driving them.

In this episode of Leadership in 5, James Mayhew explains why annual reviews are a relic of management past — and how modern leaders use KeyneLink Progress Meetings to create a rhythm of proactive feedback and clarity.

When leaders make feedback continuous, performance stops feeling like judgment and starts feeling like partnership.

You’ll Learn:

  • Why annual performance reviews fail everyone involved
  • How monthly KeyneLink Progress Meetings replace outdated systems
  • Why performance is leadership’s responsibility, not HR’s
  • How rhythm creates alignment, accountability, and engagement
  • The mindset shift from managing performance to living it

Reflection Questions:

  1. What would happen if every person on your team knew exactly how they were doing — every month?
  2. How could a consistent rhythm of feedback change your culture and results?

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About the Podcast

Leadership in 5
Lead better in 5 minutes. Tactical insights for founders who want clarity, momentum, and a business that doesn’t break them.
Execution without excuses. Five minutes. One insight. No wasted words.

Leadership In 5 is the podcast for founders and executives who are done with vague advice and tired of hearing “just communicate better” like it’s a strategy.

I’m James Mayhew. I’ve served as Chief Culture Officer, coached hundreds of leaders, and made the thousand-plus execution mistakes so you don’t have to. I work with high-growth companies that are scaling fast — but who still want to lead with values, not ego.

Each episode delivers one sharp insight you can act on. You’ll hear practical guidance built on clarity, not charisma. No theory. No fluff. Just real leadership tools that work in real companies with real people.

This show exists to help you stop over-functioning, stop repeating yourself, and stop holding it all together just to keep the wheels turning. You deserve a business that works without breaking you.

The show is grounded in The IDP Way, a leadership system built on Integrity, Dignity, and Prosperity. If those words resonate, you’ll feel at home here. And if they challenge you? Even better. Growth starts with honesty.

Want a free companion to the show?
Download "99+ Questions That Create Clarity" at NextQuestionGuide.com
It’s the simplest tool I know to start shifting your team from confused to confident.

Thanks for listening... and for leading.

About your host

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James Mayhew

James R. Mayhew is a leadership coach and strategic advisor to founders and executives building fast-growth, values-driven companies. He created the IDP Way, a leadership system grounded in integrity, dignity, and prosperity. James helps leaders align people, purpose, and performance so their business can scale with clarity, not chaos.

He’s served as Chief Culture Officer, coached hundreds of leaders, and built execution systems that actually work.