How to Deliver A Constructive Feedback

One of the most valuable things a corporate leader can provide is constructive feedback.  

Constructive feedback in the workplace enables us to identify our strengths and areas for improvement. It serves as a source of inspiration and motivation. 

We have the confidence that we are taking the proper measures toward success. 

Negative comments might be initially distressing, but it also presents a tremendous opportunity for growth. When negative criticism is offered successfully, it reveals the areas in which we need improvement in a constructive and instructive manner. It implies that we can become better at what we do through time. 

Learn why you may want to provide more feedback in your organization and how to do so constructively. 

The Advantages of Constructive Feedback  

Engagement is the foundation of constructive feedback’s advantages. When team members receive consistent feedback and direction from their team leaders, they are more invested in their roles and feel more like a part of the team. Numerous statistics demonstrate that feedback fosters positive outcomes. 

Approximately 96% of employees say they desire regular input. 

Constructive feedback also: 

• Reduces employee turnover. Regularly praising your staff for their hard work is a terrific approach to retaining them. However, it also helps to advise them of what they are doing incorrectly. Team members appreciate seeing improvement in their positions, and feedback facilitates this. 
• Offers improved business outcomes. You can only improve your company’s performance if your staff understands how to achieve success. Employees are more likely to provide successful results in the future if you explain why the work they’ve completed is good or inadequate. 
• Boosts productivity. The more feedback your team receives, the greater their confidence in assuming responsibility and initiative. Regular feedback prevents your team members from continuously evaluating their actions, as they are already aware of the types of behavior you appreciate and detest. 

How to Provide Constructive Feedback 

Step 1: Be Positive 

Notably, feedback is essential, but not just any input will suffice. Approximately 29 percent of workers claim that the feedback they receive helps them perform better on the job. 

It is essential to have a strategy if you want the things you say to positively influence your team. 

Start by focusing on good behavior. This makes it much simpler to provide constructive feedback, as you can simply tell your staff what you appreciated about their work and express gratitude for their efforts.  

If the feedback you intend to provide is entirely positive, emphasize what made it so helpful and acknowledge the outcomes that resulted from the work. 

For example, “Excellent job with that sales presentation; the way you related our product’s features to their current marketing issues truly captured their attention.”  

If you intend to provide negative feedback, emphasizing the positive first will make your team member more receptive to the remainder of your remarks. 

• Ineffective: Your most recent work is not written in the brand’s voice. 
• Effective: We appreciate that you took the time to create a well-researched essay. However, I have mentioned a few situations in which your tone may not align with the company’s voice. Could you please review these areas again? 

Step 2:  Be Specific and Objective 

In addition to approaching feedback with a good attitude, the most valuable thing you can do to improve its effectiveness is to be specific. 

Avoid using generalizations, such as “You performed quite well in that meeting.” These remarks may make others feel good, but they offer no guidance for the future. Instead, try, “That meeting was wonderful, and I really appreciated how many examples you presented to support your argument.” 

Focus on providing factual facts in your feedback, especially if you are providing negative information.  

Instead of expressing, “I don’t like how you handled that call,” remove your emotions from the situation. Remark, “Excellent work on your prompt reaction to the call. On that call, you should have introduced yourself before asking the customer how you can assist them. 

Remember that objective and specific comments can assist your employees to recognize their strengths and areas for improvement. 

Step 3: Give Actionable Advice 

Finally, avoid just expressing approval or disapproval of a person’s actions. Give them actionable advice regarding their future steps. Advice that can be implemented is what makes constructive feedback. 

Instead of saying, “I believe you could have performed better on that call,” explain how they can achieve greater results in the future. 

For example, “That call was really clear and well-spoken, but I believe you misunderstood our message a few times. Perhaps you might occasionally peek at our sales scripts to keep yourself on track?” 

Moving Forward 

Constructive feedback is advantageous for you, your team, and your organization. Consider the following suggestions to keep your team on track with constructive comments. 

Contact us if you need any help delivering constructive feedback. Schedule a call with Lisa today!