How to Give Constructive Feedback to Help Develop Employees

Feedback is information about a person’s performance of a task used as a basis for improvement and in which managers aren’t nearly as comfortable giving to their employees that’s not purely positive. That’s unfortunate, as feedback is just as, if not more, important to the growth of employees and the health of companies as they are always designed to improve performance. Here are some tips on how to align your feedback with your employee's goals and skills and assist them with professional growth.

Incorporate accepting constructive feedback into your company culture.

As you manage your workforce, you should know what their personal career goals are so you can develop a growth plan for each of them and address their behavior and performance during a feedback session. Employees who understand their goals, as well as those of the company, will be more receptive, not demotivated, by constructive feedback. Building a culture where it’s okay to make mistakes is equally important. Good employees should constantly be learning, and few can grow without making a few mistakes.

Conduct one-on-one meetings regularly.

If you want to give positive feedback to your employees, you should take the time to do so. On-the-spot feedback is effective and necessary, but a quiet face-to-face interaction where you can both talk is best. You should try to meet with your employees often enough (at least once a month) so that they benefit from the interaction. Early and frequent feedback lets the employee know that they're on the right path. You will probably forget (and so will the employee) most of the actions that deserved calling out if you only give feedback once or twice a year.

Avoid giving the “compliment sandwich.”

Managers tend to think slipping constructive feedback in between the positive helps the medicine go down easier, but this has no positive effects. Be straightforward with your feedback. Positive feedback is extremely important as well but save it for later in the discussion or for another conversation.

Giving good feedback is just as important.

Managing is about developing, motivating, and coaching employees – not just about achieving the numbers and keeping executives happy. It isn't just about the praise and thankfulness you offer employees when they do a good job. When used properly, feedback will make your department a great place to work and give your employees a chance to grow. As you nurture your employees, you will see improvements in your productivity. Everyone can benefit from specific and positive feedback.

Provide developmental feedback to help them improve.

Most employees seek constructive feedback to improve their job performance and grow professionally. Without managerial coaching, guidance and goals, the feedback alone can be frustrating for employees. Keep in mind as well that there is no such thing as negative or bad feedback. A feedback session should identify issues but have positive ideas or goals as a result.