The Importance of Feedback- both good and bad!

Feedback can create collaboration, a culture of connection and sustainable change.

Providing feedback is an essential element to progress and improvement for your business. It is important that your employees are aware of what they did well and what they can improve on if you want to produce work that is more refined, efficient and cost effective.

Did you know that a third of managers admitted to being uncomfortable about giving direct feedback to an employee if they believed the person would respond in a negative way? The same survey also identified one in five managers reporting that they had difficulty giving praise for a job well done and another 16% were likely to credit themselves, rather than others, for innovative ideas that came to fruition in the workplace.

Instead of relaying feedback via email or avoiding discussions regarding past and future work performance aim to communicate feedback to your employees because most people will value constructive criticism- even if it stings a little at the time!! A great example demonstrating the benefit of providing feedback is from a recent survey which found that of more than 1000 full time employees surveyed, 81% would rather join a company that values ‘open communication’ than one that offers free perks such as gym memberships, free food or  top health plans.

To be more effective at communicating the tough stuff or showing some appreciation, the following tips may be helpful!

1. CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY

There is always a nicer way of framing something negative. Instead of focusing the whole discussion on the consequences of an employee’s mistakes, try to include specific examples of desired behaviour to illustrate the issues.

2. LISTEN

You may learn something! Or gain a different perspective of an issue from the employee. Listening conveys respect and gives space for managers and employees to understand the situation together.

3. DON’T MAKE IT PERSONAL

It is easy to take things personally in a direct feedback conversation so make feedback sessions with employees as constructive as possible. Try to focus on how behaviour or decisions made by the employee involved affected the business, rather than you personally. 

4. fOLLOW UP

Follow up on the employee after a feedback conversation to ensure they feel motivated to take on any suggestions and to ensure that any feelings of hurt or resentment are addressed in a timely manner. 

5. INSPIRE GREATNESS

Make sure employees understand that you have aspirations for who they can become and that you believe they are capable of accepting feedback and bettering themselves in the process.