Minami Family HR System: Edition 2 – Timing is Everything in Feedback

2 weeks ago, my wife and I held our February evaluation and feedback session for our kids—yes, we run a “Family HR System” at home! Here’s what we learned this round:

We began by letting our kids self-reflect on their achievements, growth, and areas for improvement (a tactic that ensures their voices are heard first).

However, we did this on March 12th—12 days post-February.

Result? We all forgot small, meaningful moments—like a kind gesture or a daily habit—that deserved recognition.

Key takeaway:
1️⃣ Timing matters. Delayed evaluations risk losing nuance. In HR (and parenting!), feedback is most impactful when fresh.
2️⃣ Document the “small wins”. Big milestones are easy to track, but micro-achievements shape behavior. Jot them down daily!

In the corporate world, we preach timely recognition and continuous feedback.

At home? Same rules apply. Whether it’s a team member’s proactive email or a child’s consistent effort to tidy up—acknowledgment loses potency with delay.

Next month? We’re shifting to a “first-week-of-the-month” review cadence and keeping a shared family “kudos journal.” So, as we start this new month, will be looking forward to conducting this review as soon as possible.

To my network: How do you balance structure and spontaneity in feedback? Ever borrowed a “family lesson” for the workplace?

P.S. Kids’ feedback to us? “Stop forgetting our tiny victories!” Lesson accepted.