It’s performance review time at TrojanOne.

I don’t know how it works at your company, but there is something strangely archaic about the whole thing. And I am very guilty of perpetuating the issue.

Every time I do a review, I wonder why I don’t do them more often. Yes, it takes time. But there is something comforting about reflecting on what is working well and what needs improvement in the relationship between my company and my team and, of course, me. Every year I vow to do quarterly reviews… six month reviews… monthly reviews… and I don’t.

One reason I should do them more often is they have a great ability to suss out the issues. Sometimes I hear them directly. Other times they come via the dreaded grapevine. This year I have been hearing a lot about me playing favourites. Yes indeed, so and so is Mark’s “favourite,” accuses the disgruntled employee.

How does Mr. Not-as-Happy-as-he-should-be know that I have favourites? Well apparently they get better computers, better blalckberries, better desks, and better shooters at our staff parties. Now that isn’t true. I buy everyone the same shooter. Even if I don’t think they are a great employee.

But seriously. Favourites? Me?

Hell yes!!!!

I have my favourite adminstrator who can write letters impersonating MH3 from a foggy 6:00 am voicemail.

I have a favourite intern, who announces themselves at my office door and pledges their gratitude for the opportunity.

I have my favourite consultant who pulls an all-nighter before a report is due, and the only complaint they have is “I stink!”

I have my favourite project leader who has earned the trust of the CEO of my most high profile client, by never missing a deliverable. Always double checking her work. And in general ensuring that the client is provided with materials that are world-class. Not once in a while. Always. To the point where the CEO has told me repeatedly she would steal my star away if it wasn’t for our relationship.

I have my favourite ex-employees who range form clients (three of them), to competitors (many of them), to suppliers (one of them), to volunteer football coaches (one, with others acting as virtual advisors).

I have my favourite project manager who when asked by HR about her salary, said I am too busy to worry about money.

I have my favourite ex-student who moved halfway around the country to manage an office for me.

I have my favoruite warehouse guy who makes things happen at the backend of our programs day, night, and weekends even if I haven’t stepped foot in his shop in six months.

I have my favourite studio manager who is always looking at new ideas for us to make money.

I have my favourite finance manager who stays up all night counting my pennies, like each and every one of them are hers.

I don’t know what the punishment is for having favourites. Solitary? Rations? Loss of the TV remote for a weekend? Whatever it is, sign me up for double.

Because I will take a company full of my “favourites” any day!