What Tough Appraisals Can Teach You About Your Team

Employee reviews are never easy when times are tough. Whether your propane business is facing high costs, short staff, or slower growth, having honest conversations with team members about their performance can feel harder than usual. But even in difficult times – especially in difficult times – clear and fair appraisals are still important. They help keep expectations on track, show employees you care about their progress, and protect the future of your company.

You might be dealing with team members who are burned out, frustrated, or simply doing their best under the circumstances. At the same time, your business needs people to show up, stay focused, and meet safety and service standards. That’s why employee reviews shouldn’t be skipped or rushed. They just need to be handled with care, patience, and the right approach. Let’s take a look at how to manage these tricky conversations well.

Start with Clarity, Not Emotion
A performance review should never feel like a surprise or a personal attack. Begin by laying out clear goals and expectations that were set earlier in the year or quarter. Focus on specific tasks, not personal traits. If someone is falling behind, give clear examples of how that has been happening. If they’re doing well, point out exactly what they’re doing right.

Avoid letting your stress or frustration guide the talk. Stick to the facts. Be steady, calm, and respectful. The goal is not to tear someone down; it’s to help them see what needs to improve and how they can succeed moving forward.

Acknowledge the Tough Conditions
If your team has been working through long hours, low resources, or growing customer pressure, be sure to mention that. Let them know you see and appreciate their efforts. That doesn’t mean ignoring missed goals or poor habits, but it does mean being fair about the challenging context of the job.

When employees feel that you understand what they’ve been facing, they’re more open to hearing feedback. You’re showing that you’re not blind to reality – you’re just trying to help them grow despite it.

Give Honest Feedback
If someone needs to improve, don’t just point out what’s wrong; help them figure out what to do next. Clear feedback works best when it’s paired with a simple, doable plan. That might include extra training, better tools, or more support from their manager.

Let them know what success looks like and when you’ll follow up next. Offer to check in again soon, not months from now. That keeps them focused on their growth plan and shows that you’re serious about helping them improve, not just checking a box.

Listen More Than You Talk
Reviews shouldn’t be one-sided. Ask how they’re doing, what’s been hard, and what could be done to help them. You might learn about roadblocks or challenges you didn’t see before. Listening shows respect, and it also gives you better insight into your team and your business.

Some employees may just need a chance to explain themselves. Others may offer good ideas to improve their role, the team, or the company overall. Either way, listening builds trust and gives you more input and ideas to work with.

End with Encouragement, Not Just Criticism
Even if the review includes tough feedback, don’t end the meeting on a low note. Remind the employee what you believe they’re capable of. Elaborate on a skill or a strength they bring to the team, since positive words from you will do much to balance out any constructive criticism they may have had to hear. Offer your support and remind them that the goal is improvement, not consequences.

People work harder when they know their manager wants them to succeed. A review that ends with clear direction and encouragement is more likely to inspire change than one filled with pressure or blame.

Why This Matters
In the propane world, teamwork, safety, and service are all built on trust. Your employees are the face of your company, and when they feel respected, supported, and guided, they’re more likely to stay committed to the job and perform at a higher level.

Tough times require stronger leadership. By handling employee reviews with honesty and care, propane business owners and managers can help their teams grow, protect their company’s reputation, and build a more reliable workforce that’s ready to handle whatever comes next.