Why the Fishtank Team Takes Time to Reflect on the Year and Still Uses an Annual Appraisal

At Fishtank Consultancy, we are a small, agile, and remote team. We align daily, talk often, and give feedback continuously.

So why do we still take the time to run an annual appraisal?

Because reflection needs space.

During the year, performance is managed through regular conversations, clear responsibilities, and open feedback. This helps us move fast and stay aligned in our day to day work.

The annual appraisal plays a different role.

It gives us the opportunity to look at the full year, not just recent tasks or the last project delivered. We reflect on results, collaboration, learning, and how each person contributed over time.

For a small team, this matters. Every role has an impact. The annual appraisal helps us recognise contributions fairly, including work that is not always visible on a daily basis, especially in a remote setup.

It is also where we connect performance with direction. We discuss what worked well, what can improve, and where to focus next. These conversations need time and structure, which continuous feedback alone does not always provide.

We keep the process simple using Zoho People. There is no heavy process and no unnecessary complexity. Just clear goals, honest reflection, and shared understanding.

At Fishtank Consultancy, feedback is continuous.
The annual appraisal is our moment to pause, reflect on the year, and align for what comes next.