This is a subscriber-only article.

Save 20% on Entrepreneur+ during our Spring Growth Flash Sale

Use code SPRING20 at checkout.

Subscribe Now

Already have an account?

Sign in
Entrepreneur Plus - Short White
For Subscribers

A Brutal Performance Review Helped Sweetgreen's CEO Manage Everything Better Jonathan Neman shares what he learned from getting an evaluation from co-founders, employees and family.

By Jonathan Neman

This story appears in the September 2018 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

Alex Wong | Getty Images

One day in March, I arrived at my Los Angeles office and prepared for an emotional bruising. My executive coach had interviewed 17 people close to me -- my wife, my mom, my co-founders, my direct reports and some other employees -- and it was time to learn what they said. What do they think are my strengths and weaknesses? What are my blind spots? Where do I need improvement?

I wasn't sure I was ready to hear the answers.

Related: When to Invest in Your Weaknesses (and When to Save Your Time and Energy)