Mid-year Connected Conversation

Jan. 15 - March 15 | 1 hour


Your growth deserves a conversation

You’ve accomplished a lot this year. Take an hour to reflect on your progress, share your perspective, and talk about what comes next.
The Mid-year Connected Conversation is your dedicated time to celebrate accomplishments, discuss goals, exchange meaningful feedback and identify opportunities for continued growth and success.
Use this time to:
✅ Celebrate key achievements and impact
✅ Share what's working and where you need support
✅ Discuss growth and development opportunities
✅ Align on priorities for the months ahead
Your voice matters. Bring your ideas, questions and goals, and make this conversation count.

Overview Video (coming soon!)

Mid-year Resources

Email performance@colorado.edu with questions or support

Register for Training

Coming Soon!Ìý

What is Discussed?

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Key Successes and Priorities

Review accomplishments, challenges, and progress toward goals

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Campus Shared Values

Discuss how work and behaviors support Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder’s shared values

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Support Needed

Identify resources, guidance, or obstacles that may impact success

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Development Areas

Explore growth opportunities, learning needs, and future development goals

Employee & Supervisor Action Steps

Employee Steps

  • Review Materials:ÌýReview your goals, performance notes, and feedback received throughout the year.
  • Complete the Employee Summary:ÌýUse the to write your summary in Cornerstone or on the
  • Identify Growth Opportunities:ÌýConsider skills, training, or stretch opportunities you want to pursue.Ìý
  • Schedule Confirmation:ÌýNotify your supervisor once your employee summary has been completed so the 1-hour meeting can be scheduled.
  • Lead the Discussion:ÌýStart by highlighting your key accomplishments and progress toward your goals and core responsibilities. Use the for examples of how to begin.
  • Review Discussion Topics:ÌýReview the discussion topics with your supervisor.Ìý
  • Partner on Problem-Solving:ÌýRemain open to feedback and take ownership of both accomplishments and areas for improvement.Ìý
  • Take Notes:ÌýCapture action items, agreed-upon goal adjustments, and feedback during the meeting.
  • Review Supervisor Summary:ÌýOnce your supervisor submits their summary in Cornerstone or on the form, review their comments and any updated goals.
  • Confirm Goal Updates:ÌýEnsure any agreed-upon goal updates or new goals are entered in Cornerstone or on the applicable form.
  • Clarify and Connect:ÌýReach out to your manager if you have questions or need clarification on any documented points.
  • Maintain Regular 1-on-1s:ÌýEnsure recurring check-ins are on the calendar through year-end to maintain momentum, intentionally dedicating specific 1-on-1 meetings to review progress and add or update goals as priorities shift.

Supervisor Steps

  • Review Materials:ÌýReview theÌý, your performance notes from this cycle, your direct report’s goals and progress updates, and the pre-conversation summary your direct report submitted in Cornerstone or on the Connected Conversation form.Ìý
  • Assess Goal Alignment:ÌýMake sure your direct report’s goals align with department priorities and identify any adjustments needed.Ìý
  • Identify Development Pathways:ÌýNote potential training, stretch assignments, or mentorship opportunities that will support your direct report’s current role and future growth.
  • Schedule the Meeting:ÌýCoordinate and calendar the dedicated 1-hour conversation.Ìý
  • Allow the Employee to Lead:ÌýLet your direct report guide the conversation, starting with their key successes and self-reflections.Ìý
  • Use Open-Ended Questions:ÌýProbe deeper into their experience, barriers, and goals using thoughtful, active inquiry.Ìý
  • Share Clear Performance Feedback:ÌýClearly communicate your observations across all performance tiers (where they need support, meet expectations, or exceed expectations) using concrete examples.Ìý
  • Collaborate on Development:ÌýPartner to identify skill-building opportunities, address performance gaps, and ensure a sustainable workload.
  • Confirm Goal Adjustments and Next Steps:ÌýAlign on goal revisions, summarize key takeaways, and confirm designated action items.Ìý
  • Complete the Supervisor Summary:ÌýIn Cornerstone or on the , record the following directly in the summary:
    • Core Highlights:ÌýKey discussion points, accomplishments, progress toward goals, and agreed action steps.
    • Performance Feedback:ÌýExplicit notes on where the employee is exceeding, meeting, or needing support.
    • Transparency Standard:ÌýOnly include topics that were openly discussed during the meeting.
    • Use Examples:ÌýRefer to the for example summaries.
  • Maintain Regular 1-on-1s:ÌýEnsure recurring check-ins are on the calendar through year-end to maintain momentum, intentionally dedicating specific 1-on-1 meetings to review progress and add or update goals as priorities shift.