Many employees and managers dread staff performance reviews. The process can be uncomfortable— even painful—since not everyone can give or accept constructive feedback. Disagreements may occur, tempers sometimes flare and anger or frustration hijack the conversation.

Over the past decade, the review process has evolved as employers have experimented with an array of approaches. Some have expanded the amount of feedback that employees receive, while others have eliminated their rating system. In some cases, the frequency of reviews has increased, while others have shifted discussions from past accomplishments to employee development. While there’s not a universally accepted approach, many agree ...