Constructive feedback plays a significant role in relations between people. Sharing suggestions and advice could be very helpful for someone who wants to improve their work or behavior. Every kind of constructive feedback matters, even constructive criticism. This form of feedback can also have a positive outcome. Feedback is very important, and it can be a motivation for improvement. What is constructive feedback? Read this article and find out what examples of constructive feedback are and what constructive feedback tips are.
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Constructive feedback is a type of feedback whose goal is to provide guidance, support, and encourage improvement. It is not about pointing out every fault. You have to respect someone's work and his efforts. It helps create a good atmosphere between people - which can be a success at your workplace. Giving constructive feedback is not that easy. It is a skill mastered by the best managers and team leaders.
Why is the feedback so important?
The research says that 80% of employees would switch companies (with the same salary) if the employer was more empathetic. It says a lot. Every worker is looking for acceptance at work. You want to feel that you and your work are meaningful to your boss. There is nothing worse than listlessness. It would be better to say something negative than nothing. Before talking about examples of constructive feedback, it has to be mentioned what the key characteristics of good feedback are.
Key characteristics of constructive feedback
1. Clarity
Constructive feedback should be clear and easy to understand. By using simple language, you can be sure that it will be well understood and that the suggestions will be brought to life in your work.
2. Positivity
That is a crucial characteristic of good, constructive feedback. For example, if a manager uses a positive tone and attitude towards his employee, it will definitely encourage the worker's efficiency.
3. Respect
That is a simple rule. If someone respects you, you respect him. Good relations at work will bring the desired results.
Constructive feedback examples with analysis
If you have understood the most important characteristics of constructive feedback, now it is time to discuss some examples of it. There are a lot of examples of how you can give feedback in a good way. If you follow up on the above characteristics, I'm sure that you will be able to do it properly.
"John, I know that you are a very hard-working and qualified employee. You have never disappointed me, and I know that I can rely on you, but I noticed recently that you are not focused enough and your efficiency has decreased. Do you have problems outside of work, or maybe you are overworked? You can take a vacation if you want. Is there something I can do for you?" That is a great example of when the performance of your employee is dropping. Just take a look. You have to create a good atmosphere. When you are reading this example, you can feel a positive wave of emotions. There is a huge amount of respect in this example, and it shows that you really care about your employees. By creating an emotional bond, an employee will feel safe and important. Feedback describing words like "qualified" or "hard-working" will let your employee know that his skills have value.
"Hey Andrew, I am really worried about something. It is not a big deal, but it can have a negative impact on our upcoming project. I saw that there are some issues between you and Jacob. Can you tell me what is going on? You know that a good atmosphere on the team is very important. I want our team to be a family, because, as you know, work is a place where you spend time every day. I am sure we can fix the problem." This one is a totally different kind of feedback. In comparison to the first one, the consequences of the problem are mentioned. The purpose is not to frighten our employee but to show him that a small, meaningless tension may have a negative result in the future and that it is not worth it. The tone is very friendly and relaxed.
Constructive feedback examples for time management
Here are some examples of time management:
"Jason, I noticed that sometimes you are not meeting deadlines. It is not always, but I would like you to neutralize it. Time management is a big part of our company. You know, we have a lot of projects and people working on them. I understand; sometimes it happens, but I do not want a situation where one task will make us lose a customer."
"Hi Jacob, I saw recently that you are not focused and acting busy at work. Maybe you should think about planning your day in advance. Time management is crucial. If you forget about that, your day will be totally ruined. I would like to see you take my advice seriously because it will definitely help."
Constructive feedback examples for communication skills
"Hey Thomas, I heard your discussion with the authorities of the partner company. I am 100% sure that we will make that deal and sign an agreement. You were great, but next time, think more about your body language. Don't take that as a personal attack, but you would have to see this from the side. Work on it, and everything will be perfect!"
"Your idea was the best at our meeting yesterday. We were totally shocked and full of admiration. Just work a little bit on the form of expression. Everything you have said is important, but you have to be more precise and explain slowly. We have to write down everything because your idea was amazing."
Summary
After reading this article, I hope you now know how to give constructive feedback. When giving feedback, you have to be respectful and stay positive. Feedback needs a good atmosphere so that the other person will feel safe rather than overwhelmed. Constructive criticism is also a form of feedback. When you are talking one-on-one, base your feedback on the strengths of your employees. It will give him additional motivation. You can also organize a feedback session in the workplace. Providing feedback to the larger group will make the team feel like a family. Everyone will have a chance to share their opinion. As a manager, you will have your employees' respect if you respect and appreciate their work. You can give constructive feedback about everything in every situation. Feedback can be a reason for moving forward.