No one likes to hear criticism, but sometimes it’s critical for success. So how can you provide this constructive feedback to your employees without sounding negative? It’s a big part of your job as a manager, but how you deliver the information is as important as the message. When your employee feels you’re being overly pessimistic, they’ll likely think you’re unhelpful, combative, or making them feel uncomfortable. Here are some tips for delivering your message with care.
How Can You Give Proper Constructive Feedback?
Remain Respectful
One of the primary reasons people don’t accept constructive feedback is because they feel attacked. Every time you provide feedback to your employees, make sure you’re always remaining respectful of them as a professional and a person. Never make it personal, and never make an accusation. Treat your employees as you want your supervisors to treat you.
Offer Positive Feedback
Don’t always make feedback a negative thing. When you get in the habit of providing regular positive feedback, it can be easier to include action items for things that need to be adjusted. Some people refer to this as the Feedback Sandwich. Offer something positive, then provide the details on the thing that needs improvement, and finish with another positive message.
Keep it Private
No one takes criticism well when you do it in front of an audience. When you need to correct someone’s behavior or performance, always ask them for a private meeting and discuss it there. Also, avoid making blanket criticism at a team meeting if only one individual causes the problem. This isn’t fair to the people who aren’t doing anything incorrectly.
Know When to Offer Advice
You have a lot of life experience, and sometimes you can share your advice about how you might handle making the situation better. In other cases, you want to step back and give someone the space to devise solutions. As a manager, you’ll need to have the discernment to know when to jump in.
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