The Right Way to Give Positive Feedback to Employees

Positive feedback is a potent and effective tool that should be a part of every manager’s toolkit. Sadly, most managers tend to take their employees’ good performance for granted, and some managers praise employees only in the context of constructive and corrective feedback. 

Here are some reasons why many managers don’t offer standalone positive feedback:

• They aren’t used to it or don’t know how to give positive feedback effectively because they didn’t receive enough praise either.

• They don’t think that complimenting employees is needed when they’re just doing their duties.

• They think that their employees’ performance would suffer if they tell them that they’re already doing an excellent job.

• They think that only corrective feedback can help their employees develop and grow. 

If you share some of these beliefs, prepare to be mindblown! Providing positive feedback to your employees has many proven benefits, including improving your company’s bottom line. 

 

How to give feedback

Most people think that giving positive feedback is easy. But, simply saying “Well done” or “Great job!” is not enough if you want to provide meaningful, productive feedback that will stick with your employees and strengthen their positive behaviour.

If you want your employees to learn and grow from your positive feedback, you should make sure that your feedback is always:

 

1. Genuine

Don’t praise your employees just for the sake of it. People will see straight through you, and that will ruin your relationship. Give positive feedback to your employees when you have a real reason. Be direct and honest. 

 

2. Timely 

Make sure that your feedback is timely, given in-the-moment. Don’t wait for a scheduled meeting or a performance review to give your employees positive feedback. Waiting to recognise your employees can leave them feeling as though their hard work has gone unnoticed. 

 

3. Specific 

Gallup said that employees are more likely to learn and grow when they receive specific and immediate feedback. Do not give vague praise, state exactly what your employee did that you find commendable. Your feedback should be clear and straight to the point.

 

4. Focus on effort

When you give positive feedback, concentrate on your employees’ effort and behaviour (what they do) rather than their personality traits or talent (what they’re like). That way, you will promote a growth mindset in your employees and help them build determination and resilience. 

Remember to give feedback regularly.

5. Let them see the big picture

If you want to make your feedback more impactful and influential, frame your employees’ accomplishments in a bigger context. Explain the impact of their achievement on others (colleagues and customers) and link it to your company’s bottom line. 

 

6. Proper body language

Pay attention to your body language when you deliver positive feedback. How you say things is just as important as what you’re saying. Make sure to smile, keep eye contact and use appropriate facial expressions and hand gestures.

 

7. Meaningful gestures 

If you want to make your positive feedback even more powerful, you should amplify it with a meaningful gesture. Think of a way to make your feedback unique and celebrate your employees’ success. Go for a walk in the nearby park, grab a coffee or a box of doughnuts and celebrate!

 

8. Personalise your feedback

Tailor your positive feedback to each of your employees. For instance, some employees feel great when they’re recognised in public, while others might prefer receiving positive feedback privately. Understand your employees and their preferences!

 

When to give feedback

There are eight circumstances in which giving positive feedback is crucial.  Always provide positive reinforcement to employees who:

1. Meet or exceed goals

2. Go an extra mile

3. Help co-workers or customers

4. Overcome a challenge

5. Take initiative

6. Need a confidence boost

7. Model good behaviour 

8. Do something small, but worth recognising.

 

Giving your employees positive feedback is vital if you want to keep your employees motivated, engaged and productive. Don't forget to give meaningful and positive feedback regularly! 

Source: TalentLyft

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