Posted

Communication and feedback are important in any company, of that there is no dispute. Yet, at many companies, managers still reserve the bulk of their feedback for the annual performance review, where a year’s worth of criticism gets dumped on an employee for him to grapple with.

This is not the most effective way to deliver feedback. There is a time and place to deliver feedback so that it carries the most weight and can do the most good. Like anything else, there is a skill involved in knowing how to do it well. Here are a few tips on how to give feedback in a more optimal way.

1. Give it for a specific purpose.
When you give feedback, it should be for a particular reason, preventing a problem from recurring, for example. At the annual performance review, however, there is no specific reason for the feedback, just a vague guideline of areas where the employee can improve.

2. Give it in a timely manner
When something happens that precipitates the need for feedback, it should be given as close to that event as possible. When given in a timely manner, it is much more effective, and those who receive it are more receptive to it. They are less likely to be caught off guard.

3. Give it on an ongoing basis
Feedback should be an essential component of a manager’s leadership strategy, something that is done often. It should part of a constant push for improvement.

4. Give it straight.
In other words, the feedback should be simple and clear. It should deal with a specific problem, issue or behavior and should focus only on that. Resist going after a laundry list of gripes. Focus on just one thing, so it does not seem like you are attacking an employee.

5. Give and take
The feedback should be part of a dialogue to emphasize that it is all about working together to improve performance. It is not about disciplining but moving ahead.

6. Give it a personal touch
Use the first-person when giving feedback. “I think,” or “I feel that.” It lessens the feeling that the person is being reprimanded.

7. Give a positive along with the negative
When giving feedback, it is good to begin with something positive before getting into criticism, and ending on a positive note as well.

If your company is looking for new employees, Winston Resources is here to help you. We have the resources and expertise to find the right people for your business. Give us a call today.


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *