96% of employees say feedback helps them grow. Yet 32% wait three months or more to receive it. Even when feedback is given, only 50% act on it.*
Examples of positive appraisal:
- “You’re on the right track. Keep it up.”
- “I noticed you stayed late to finish this report. Your dedication makes a difference.”
- “I appreciate you speaking up more in meetings. Your input matters.”
- “You brought positive energy when you shared what you’re learning.”
Examples of constructive appraisal:
- “I noticed you cut people off in our meeting. It’s important that people participate. Let’s talk about how to make sure everyone feels heard.”
- “You agreed to send the update Friday, but it didn’t come through. Following through builds trust. Let’s talk about how to manage priorities better.”
- “I noticed a few key details were missing in your presentation. Let’s walk through how to make sure those are included next time.”
- “When you (name behavior) it doesn’t serve you well. Let’s work on ways to turn this into a positive.
Feedback isn’t:
- Advice. Performance conversations include coaching and advising. Feedback simply names the behavior and its impact—nothing more.
- Therapy. You’re not there to explain why people behave a certain way. Focus on what they do.
- Personal. “You missed a deadline” focuses on behavior. “You screwed up” attacks the person. Separate performance from the person.
5 Feedback Mistakes:
#1. Dancing around the issue. Get to the point.
#2. Focusing on the past. Spend most of the conversation on improvement. “What can you do to improve this situation? How can I help?”
#3. Failure to follow up. End with, “Let’s meet next week to discuss your progress.”
#4. Saying “we.” “We need to follow through” softens accountability. Say “You need to follow through.”
#5. Harshness. Be kind and direct.
What’s your best tip on this topic?
16 Ways to Give Constructive Feedback Like a Human
Humility and self-reflection strengthen leaders for the battle. Click here to check out, The Vagrant: The Inner Journey of Leadership. It’s a wonderful tool for leaders facing challenges.
