Most employees want to hear feedback about how they’re doing at work. One study shows that 96% of workers say getting regular feedback is a good thing, and 83% say they appreciate all kinds of feedback, including constructive criticism.

Creating a healthy feedback culture is like planting seeds for success. Instead of picturing it like a firehose of constant comments and suggestions, view it like a steady stream of insights that can help your team flourish. Caitlin Collins, a program strategy director for Betterworks, says the goal is to make employees see feedback as a chance for them to grow, not something they have to endure.

In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share Collins’ tips for delivering feedback in a way that helps your team reach their full potential.

  1. Ask questions. Before offering feedback, ask some questions. For example, if someone seemed unprepared for a meeting, ask if they had time to prepare. It could be that they have so much on their plate they didn’t have time to prepare properly. Or, they may have received a last-minute meeting request. Asking questions helps you avoid giving feedback that is presumptive, Collins says.

  2. Be specific. Make sure your employees know what actions or changes you’d like to see. When you’re specific, Collins says you can help them make manageable improvements that can enhance their effectiveness.

  3. Give concrete examples. Don’t just tell employees how they can improve – provide tangible examples. According to Collins, this helps the recipient take action. It also helps build trust because they can see the advice is meant to help. Plus, if you don’t provide suggestions, employees may take your feedback as criticism.

  4. Ask for feedback on your feedback. Everyone can benefit from feedback, including leaders. Find out what your employees think about the quality of your feedback. This can help you improve your approach for the next time. Collins recommends asking if you were objective and specific and if you used the right tone throughout the conversation.

When feedback flows freely and constructively, it paves the way for both personal and company-wide growth. It’s not about nitpicking flaws but about fostering a culture of continual improvement. This approach doesn’t just improve individual performance – it also boosts team productivity and effectiveness. Consider the points above to not just give more feedback but to make your feedback more meaningful.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Caitlin Collins is a program strategy director for Betterworks, a performance management software.