Jean-Louis Gassée is onto something here.

A review must start with three key ingredients, in this order:

• First: Because your performance meets/exceeds requirements, we’ll renew our vows, our work relationship will continue.

• Second: Here are your new numbers: salary, bonus, stock.

• Third: We’re sufficiently happy with your performance as it stands today, so feel free to disregard the observations and suggestions for improvement I’m about to make. Now let’s talk…

Also see his follow up article on how to fire poor performers.