CFR stands for Conversations, Feedback, and Recognition — the three operating elements of continuous performance management. Conversations are regular structured dialogues between managers and employees, replacing the annual review cadence with an ongoing rhythm. Feedback flows in real time, not just at review time, but peer-to-peer and manager-to-employee. Recognition is tied to company values and visible organization-wide, reinforcing the behaviors and outcomes the company cares about. CFR was popularized by John Doerr in ‘Measure What Matters’ as the human counterpart to OKRs.
