Useless performance reviews

After 8+ years at Amazon, I have left almost every annual performance review with (1) zero understanding or discussion of my career path at Amazon and (2) a feeling that I am not good at my job....and I'm in the top 7% of performers. The majority of the discussion focuses on your development areas because that's how they control you.

Amazon managers need to be trained on the best practice ratio of providing feedback. For every 1 development area discussed, there should be at least 7 strengths discussed. Employees should be energized by making their successes feel celebrated. It doesn't cost anything, so it's the most frugal way to retain talent. Obviously, top talent retention is not a corporate goal at Amazon.