Calibrations Have a Context-Collapse Problem

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the author’s employer. What is Context Collapse? Context collapse occurs when content intended for one audience is consumed by multiple audiences simultaneously, each bringing their own frames of reference and expectations. Originally coined to describe social media dynamics, it's when a message loses its intended context as it travels across different social spheres. (Also the reason why Twitter is a hell-hole). This same phenomenon doesn't just plague our social media posts, it undermines one of the most critical processes in our organizations: performance reviews. While in social media the cost might be a misunderstanding or awkward conversation, in calibration meetings the stakes are careers, compensation, and team morale. We're in that room again: five long tables arranged in a square, twenty-five managers hunched over laptops, ... Read full article.