The Power of Oxygen 1st
When my son was little, I was a single mom who was doing it all alone. I was putting everyone else first and my own needs last. To everyone around me, I was successful but little did they know that my success was tied to pushing, stressing, sleepless nights and early morning workouts pushing my body and my limits to the extreme. Until one day I was flying alone and nearly crashed an airplane and I realized that I needed to take care of my own needs first before anyone else. You see, when you’re a pilot, if you have any issues in the plane, you put on your oxygen mask 1st, not your passengers. They need you to land the plane.
This podcast is all about this journey to healing, to getting clear on the desires of your heart… and stepping into them with courage while leaning into, asking for and receiving support. I hope you feel inspired to do less, to follow your passions and infuse them into your daily life and truly claim the life you were meant to live: a life filled to the brim with epic ADVENTURE.
The Power of Oxygen 1st
EP 97: Turning Annual Reviews Into Powerful Grow or Go Moments
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Annual reviews don’t fail because they’re broken — they fail because we approach them from fear instead of alignment.
In this episode I’m talking about why annual reviews create so much tension in businesses and how we can turn them into true grow or go moments. I share what I’ve learned from sitting on both sides of the table as a CPA, HR leader, and executive advisor, and why reviews themselves aren’t the problem.. the approach is.
I explain the three biggest reasons reviews fail: talking at employees instead of listening, waiting too long to give feedback, and being unclear about the purpose of the conversation. I walk you through how to reframe reviews in an oxygen-first way so they become clarifying, human, and surprisingly relieving instead of dreaded.
This episode is for leaders who feel that tightness in their chest as review season approaches and want a better way forward. I share simple, practical frameworks to help you create alignment, invite honest conversation, and lead with clarity as you close out 2025 and move into 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Annual reviews are not about judgment, they are about alignment
- Reviews fail when feedback is delayed, one-sided, or unclear in purpose
- Letting employees speak first lowers defenses and builds trust
- Grow or go conversations become compassionate when framed around clarity, capacity, and alignment
- Clarity is kindness, and listening is one of the most powerful leadership tools
Ready to Breathe Easier?
Whether you’re navigating a difficult people decision, feeling buried in work that drains your energy, or ready to build support that actually fits.
Start With Oxygen 1st
https://www.dotrockconsulting.com/contact
You’ll be guided to the right next step — without pressure, urgency, or overwhelm.
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Remember: your energy is your greatest asset. Protect it, invest in it, and always put your oxygen mask on first.
