Why is feedback to employees important? Employees want both positive and constructive feedback. They wish to know: What are their strengths? Where can they improve? Where do they stand in the organization

Importance of Giving Employee Feedback

Check out the infographic below from OfficeVibe for data showing the importance of giving employees timely, specific and helpful feedback on a regular basis.

Sandwich Approach

Delivering negative comments is a heck of a job. In fact, I find it downright draining. Sometimes I lose sleep wondering how the session will turn out while looking for the right words. Although hard, it is important for employee development and morale. Actually, employees that receive negative feedback from their managers are more likely to be engaged at work than their co-workers who aren’t getting any feedback. Let’s look at how to give the criticism.

Most managers have been trained to give feedback using the sandwich method. This approach squeezes in critical remarks between two positive statements.

Unfortunately, this technique is not effective. The person receiving this type of feedback tunes out anything good said at the beginning and the end. They know they’ve done something wrong and that’s their focus. The positive comments go to waste.

 

 

 

Another Technique

Justin Bariso at Inc.com in “How to Give Negative Feedback That’s Emotionally Intelligent”  presents ideas a manager can use to develop and mentor her team through feedback.

My Recap

Justin’s advice on how to use feedback to develop employees includes:

• Give praise and criticism at the right time.
• Feedback should be balanced.
• Look to praise positive behavior and actions.
• Share constructive criticism quickly after you notice something negative.
• Be specific and sincere.
• Don’t just tell someone “Good job”; tell them what they’re doing right, and why you appreciate it.
• Tell people not only what they’ve done wrong, but how they can improve.
• When sharing your concerns, give them the chance to respond. Be open to the possibility you’ve missed something, or even that you somehow contributed to a damaging situation.

 

 

Images via Inc.com and OfficeVib.com