Episode 920

920: What You Should Know About Annual Performance Reviews – Alan Twigg

Published on: 23rd July, 2025

Traditional annual performance reviews don't work — and there's data to show it! In this episode, Kirk Behrendt brings back Alan Twigg, president of Bent Ericksen & Associates, to share what you should know about annual performance reviews, how to rethink them, and tips for making them more effective. To learn the best ways to give feedback to your team, listen to Episode 920 of The Best Practices Show!

Learn More About Alan:

Learn More About ACT Dental:

More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:

Episode Resources:

Main Takeaways:

  • Your goal is for your team to know exactly where they stand.
  • Communicate the good, the bad, and the ugly — especially early on.
  • Studies show that traditional annual performance reviews are not effective.
  • Regularly do check-ins and find out your teams’ wants, needs, and concerns.
  • Be proactive with feedback. Don't wait for your team members to come to you.
  • Don't give your team raises the same day you do check-ins or performance reviews.
  • Traditional performance reviews, when not done properly, can come back to bite you.

Snippets:

0:00 Introduction.

2:13 Why this is an important topic.

3:24 Team members need to know where they stand.

6:12 Gallup Q12, explained.

7:51 Don't wait for team members to come to you.

10:40 Tips on the first 90 days for new hires.

11:30 Traditional annual performance reviews aren't effective.

13:44 Tips on setting goals.

16:32 Three questions to ask when doing check-ins.

20:51 Do what works for your practice.

22:49 Tips on giving raises.

31:35 About Bent Ericksen.

Alan Twigg Bio:

Alan Twigg is the president of Bent Ericksen & Associates. For over 10 years, he has guided thousands of clients and consultants through the ever-changing world of HR and employment compliance. He is a speaker, consultant, and author who is passionate about bringing education and peace of mind to such a confusing topic.

As a strong proponent of symbiotic employer-employee relations, Alan is passionate about teamwork and positive work cultures, with an emphasis on long-term personnel retention and employment compliance, where his solutions-oriented outlook excels.

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About the Podcast

The Best Practices Show with Kirk Behrendt
Elevate Your Dental Practice: Insights & Strategies from Industry Leaders
Welcome to The Best Practices Show, hosted by Kirk Behrendt, founder of ACT Dental (https://www.actdental.com/) and a leader in dental practice coaching. This podcast is your gateway to discovering the hidden gems and tactics used by the most successful dental practices worldwide.

At ACT Dental, we have meticulously curated strategies that have consistently proven effective in elevating dental practices. Our podcast, The Best Practices Show, extends our commitment to sharing this wealth of knowledge. Each episode features interviews with renowned dental professionals and industry leaders who have made significant strides in their practices. They share their experiences, insights, and the challenges they've overcome, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else.

Why should you listen to The Best Practices Show? Whether you're a seasoned dentist, a new practice owner, or somewhere in between, this podcast is tailored to inspire and educate. Our goal is not just to provide you with information but to transform the way you think about and run your dental practice. We delve into topics ranging from advanced clinical techniques and practice management to leadership skills and personal growth.

Kirk Behrendt, a respected figure in the dental community, brings his vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to each episode, making complex topics both understandable and engaging. As the CEO of ACT Dental, Kirk has helped countless dental practices thrive by focusing on holistic development - professionally, personally, and within their community.

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Kirk Behrendt