3 Ways to Give Employees Constructive Feedback
Feedback can be a sensitive topic for employers and employees alike. While coming down on employees can demoralize them, feedback given in a positive way can help them grow in their position and skills. Let’s look at three ways you can constructively give feedback.
How You Say It
Feedback can be given in an encouraging way. It doesn’t have to be a meeting you and your employees dread. Keep the tone of the conversation positive. Find things they did well before talking about areas of improvement. Feedback sessions shouldn’t only be about sharing what the employee is doing wrong. If there is something within their work you would change, explain why you would handle a situation differently. Approach mistakes with grace and treat them as a learning opportunities. Great managers are skilled at delivering feedback in a way that encourages the employee to aim higher and draws out the best in them.
2. Use Empathy
It’s important to remember that feedback sessions with a manager can be stressful. Each employee will have a different communication style. As you get to know them, you can approach them in a way that works best for them. Put them at ease with friendly non-verbal cues. Schedule it during a time when you and the employee will not be stressed. Remember the times when you had your own meetings with a manager? The golden rule of treating others how you would want to be treated still applies.
3. Build a Safe Relationship
Employees are more likely to receive feedback from people who are genuinely interested in their success. Keep any feedback you have focused entirely on performance and avoid personal criticisms. Allow your employee to respond. It could be that their work is suffering for a reason you are unaware of. Give them the opportunity to share. Ask if there are areas where they need help or are overwhelmed. Consider more training resources to give them any tools they need. Make your expectations clear, so employees are not nervously guessing. Let employees know that you are available to answer questions and help as situations arise. Your investment in your employees will pay dividends in creating a healthy, strong culture for your company.
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