As a manager or supervisor it’s essential to provide feedback to your team. This can be a source of angst or tension for everyone involved, so it’s important to handle it in the right way. Keep these tips in mind next time you’re providing feedback. 

Constructive

Feedback should be constructive. It’s important to remember to provide feedback that is both positive as well as negative so that individuals do not dread when you ask to ‘have a chat’. Keep the conversation concise rather than drawing it out.

Accurate

Feedback must be accurate. Always check the facts fully and try to understand the situation as a whole. Remember that the accounts of others involved are purely from their perspective and you need to take a balanced view when addressing the issue.

Specific

Always be specific. Keep your feedback within the context of the situation and related to the particular behaviour or performance that requires addressing. If the feedback relates to the individual’s behaviour, help them identify a link between their actions and the consequential outcome. Keep the feedback relative to the situation and try not to make it personal.

Timely

Keep feedback timely. There is little point in addressing old issues that people have moved on from. Feedback is most effective and easiest to deliver when provided as close to when the issue occurred as possible, be it the submission of work or a particular event.

More tips for providing effective feedback:

• Provide difficult feedback privately;
• Choose a time when neither of you are unduly emotional;
• Ask questions rather than only making statements to get the other person’s perspective – this will help them feel heard and foster clear communication.

Caraniche at Work Caraniche offers a range of training courses to support the professional development of supervisors, team leaders and managers. Learn more via our Training web page, or view our current training sessions via Eventbrite.