You know that weird frustration when youâre praised but not actually helped to grow?
Many years ago, early in my career, I was in a role where I consistently ranked at the top. My manager would always tell me how proud he was of my work. I was the person people called when things needed fixing, leading projects and mentoring others. On the outside, it was textbook success.
But inside, I was frustrated. Every time I asked for feedback, hoping for insights that could sharpen my edge or expand my leadership skills, the answer was always the same: "You're doing great! Just keep doing what you're doing."
Then, performance review season came. Which I hoped would be my chance to get real, growth-centered feedback. I opened my review, hoping to see something, anything, about areas for development.
Instead, it said:
"Monica is a strong performer. She is the top performer on the team."
Full stop. No growth pointers. No constructive feedback. Just a pat on the back and a âgood luck.â
Good relationships with managers are great. But without thoughtful feedback, even high flyers end up circling the runway instead of taking off.
Recognition is important, but it can't be where the conversation ends. Without guidance to reach the next level, even the most celebrated professionals risk hitting a plateau.
Today, AI is stepping in to help managers enhance their ability to deliver thoughtful, growth-centered recognition. The right words at the right time can be the difference between feeling celebrated and feeling challenged to evolve.
Imagine if instead of hearing:
"You're doing great!"
You received something like:
"Monica consistently exceeds expectations in client engagement. To continue her growth, she could take ownership of key account strategy sessions to expand client portfolios."
đđ˝ Clear. Actionable. Growth-centered.
That's the kind of feedback that doesn't just recognize you... it fuels your next breakthrough.
THIS WEEKâS INSIGHTS:
Why Better Feedback Matters Now More Than Ever
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Top performers are getting praised â but not propelled.
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Managers are recognizing â but not developing.
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Organizations are celebrating â but missing growth opportunities.
Something needs to shift. And AI might be the tool to make it easier... and smarter.
TRENDS:
AI Moves Recognition from Flattery to Fuel
A 2024 Workhuman report found that 64% of employees directly link meaningful recognition to higher workplace engagement and growth, yet only 31% say their feedback highlights development opportunities.
Platforms like Workhuman and Betterworks are stepping up. They're using AI to blend genuine emotional resonance with clear growth suggestions â transforming âgood jobâ into "good job â hereâs your next play."
TIPS:
Rethink How You Grow (and How You Lead)
Limiting Belief: "If my manager praises me, I must be fine where I am."
Empowering Shift: "Recognition should celebrate today's wins and light the way for tomorrowâs growth."
How AI Helps: AI feedback tools guide managers to pair praise with future opportunities.
Limiting Belief: "Constructive feedback only comes during performance reviews."
Empowering Shift:"Growth feedback should be continuous and real-time."
How AI Helps: AI-assisted platforms suggest ongoing, skill-specific feedback, not just once-a-year reviews.
Limiting Belief: "Asking for feedback shows weakness."
Empowering Shift:"Seeking feedback shows leadership and drive."
How AI Helps: AI enables private, personalized feedback prompts that normalize and encourage developmental conversations.
NEW TOOLS:
Prompts and AI Platforms for Smarter Recognition
Workhuman
https://www.workhuman.com/
Workhuman is a leading platform for employee recognition and engagement, helping organizations create cultures of gratitude, belonging, and growth through AI-powered feedback and peer-to-peer acknowledgment.
Prompt:
"Write a recognition message for [Employee Name] that acknowledges a specific recent achievement. Also, suggest one future leadership opportunity they could pursue to build on their success."
Expected Output:
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Specific project/event called out.
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Strength or behavior celebrated.
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Leadership/future growth opportunity highlighted.
Betterworks
https://www.betterworks.com/
Betterworks is an AI-enhanced performance management platform designed to align goals, track progress, and empower managers to deliver continuous feedback that fosters career development and high performance.
Prompt:
"Analyze recent project performance for [Employee Name] and generate a feedback note that highlights strengths and identifies one development goal."
Expected Output:
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Strength-based recognition.
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Development opportunity framed positively.
Leapsome
https://www.leapsome.com/
Leapsome is a people enablement platform combining feedback, performance reviews, goal-setting, and learning into one system â using AI to drive 360° feedback cycles that develop both individuals and teams.
Prompt:
"Draft a 360° feedback note for [Employee Name] that celebrates achievements, references 2-3 examples of impact, and suggests one skill-building focus area for the next quarter."
Expected Output:
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Concrete examples of success.
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Clear recommendation for skill-building.
PRO TIP:
Even if you don't have access to these platforms yet, you can still use the power of these prompts.
Plug them into your favorite AI tool â like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude â and start helping your people grow smarter and faster today.
Whose growth will you light up this week?
Closing Thought
Are you just collecting praise...or are you collecting fuel for your next breakthrough?
For the ambitious professional:
It's not enough to be seen... you deserve to be challenged, championed, and coached toward whatâs next.
Seek feedback that sharpens your edge, not just soothes your ego.
For the emerging and seasoned leader:
Your words have the power to either park someone's potential... or propel them forward.
True leadership means seeing not just where people are winning today but lighting the path for where they can grow tomorrow.
AI isnât here to replace human leadership... itâs here to upgrade it!
Letâs not just celebrate success. Letâs cultivate it. đ
Hasta la prĂłxima, Abrazos!
Monica Marquez
When You're Ready...
Hereâs how I can help you and your organization take your leadership and professional growth to the next level:
Speaking: I deliver engaging, high-impact keynotes and workshops on AI-driven leadership, personal branding, career advancement, and transformation. Whether it's a corporate event, leadership summit, or industry conference, I bring practical insights and strategies that empower professionals to thrive in today's rapidly evolving world.
Learning & Development Consulting: I partner with organizations to design and implement learning experiences that drive real impact. From AI-powered career development programs to leadership training tailored for their talent, I help companies advance their workforce and create growth opportunities for high-potential professionals.
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