Make Feedback Your Friend As a Manager

Communicate

KEY POINTS:

  1. Give Feedback  in many different ways: verbally and non-verbally.
  2. Feedback affects performance
  3. Watch carefully for opportunities to give feed back

Feedback is communication. In the business world feedback refers to the information that is received from a supervisor to a subordinate regarding performance either of a particular task or in general.

This information could be passed in various ways, verbally, non-verbally, as feelings or as fact. If you are a supervisor, it is important to remember that your employees are always looking  for some sign of approval or disapproval. Take this into account when you are in their presence. This may have an impact on their performance.

Be particularly careful with negative feedback. If you observe something that you do not like, discuss the matter with the employee in private. Criticism in front of other employees is bad for morale, but also for your image.

Good feedback on the other hand builds trust and reinforces the belief that you notice when good work takes place.

GIVING GOOD FEEDBACK

Keep it simple. Make sure your message is easily understood. This is important when you are dealing in English, which is not your native language. Use words that are appropriate to your audience. For example, do not use technical words when talking to a non-technical person.

Negative communication

When you are not happy with someone’s performance, try to criticize his/ her behavior, not the person. In addition, do so in private so that the person is not embarrassed in front of his/her co-workers.

Observe Carefully

In this case, your eyes are your best friends. Observe carefully what is going on. That way you will know who is deserving of praise, and who needs correction. This will help you build trust among your employees. Watch the body language of your employees.

Ask Questions

A good question is worth a lot. It shows your interest in what is happening. It gives you some vital information, and it shows that you understand what is going on. Be ready with some good questions.

Hold Back

Sometimes it is better to stay silent. You may observe behavior that makes you angry and the first impulses to jump in and tell the person off. It is better to back away, cool off, and handle the situation more professionally. But, it does need to be dealt with right away.

Be Impartial

It is natural to like some people more than others. Even so, this should not influence your use of this tool. Remember, it must be even handed. Praising a favorite while neglecting the good work of someone you don’t like will diminish your credibility.

Published by pitman

I am a Business English Coach who works with managers and other professionals helping them to perform at their best when it is most important: such as a presentation, meeting with an important client, or a job interview. I am also a resource person for teachers of Business English.

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