In this episode of Crossing the Chasm, hosts Charlie Harary and Scott Rechler dive into one of the most challenging and often uncomfortable parts of the year inside any company: reviews. Whether it is evaluating others or reflecting on your own performance, reviews can become transformative when approached with honesty, clarity, and care.
Scott shares how he sees this season as an opportunity for genuine reflection. He explains why reviews are not about criticism but about improvement, growth, and revealing reality. From understanding personal expectations to recognizing the expectations others have of you, he breaks down why constructive feedback is essential for both individuals and organizations.
A major theme of the conversation is the misconception that being “nice” makes someone a good manager. Charlie presses on the idea that avoiding discomfort may actually hold people back. Scott expands on this by describing how anonymous peer reviews often surface valuable insights that people are hesitant to share openly, and how those insights can lead to meaningful, compassionate conversations.
Scott also offers a rare look into his own review process. He talks about carving out quiet, uninterrupted time to read through reviews, identify patterns, and prepare for thoughtful discussions. Charlie highlights Scott’s commitment to daily reflection, noting that Scott reviews himself constantly rather than waiting for the end of the year. Scott shares how journaling, early morning routines, and intentional quiet moments create space for deeper clarity and better decision making.
The episode closes with a discussion about goal setting and accountability, both personally and at RXR. Scott explains how he sets quarterly, monthly, and weekly goals, revisiting them every Sunday and recalibrating where needed. It is a reminder that reviewing and reflecting are ongoing disciplines, not annual events.
This conversation offers leaders and team members a grounded, practical perspective on how to review with purpose, communicate with honesty, and build a culture of continuous improvement.
