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Do you give positive feedback to your people?

This week, I was talking to one of my coaching clients about how to create a high-performing culture on his team.

I asked him, “Do you give positive feedback to your people?”

He responded by telling me that giving positive feedback is a rare occurrence for him. He explained to me that he is not a “warm and fuzzy” kind of person, so he tends to avoid that kind of “rah-rah stuff.”

Now, I have been developing leaders for over 20 years.

This is not the first time I have heard this response to positive feedback.

I guarantee it won’t be the last time.

I don’t know why some leaders have developed the opinion that positive feedback is “warm and fuzzy.”

It’s not.

It’s based on facts related to a person’s performance.

It develops a high morale.
It’s motivating to receive.
It reinforces the behaviour that you want to see again.
It helps to create a high-performing culture.

There is nothing fluffy about that.
It’s just good for business!

So, moving forward, how can you give positive feedback in a factual and impactful way?

Here are the two steps for giving positive feedback effectively:

  1. Focus on the specific behaviours: Focus on the exact behaviours or actions that led to their success or the positive outcomes they demonstrated. For example, instead of a general compliment like “Good job on the project,” you could say, “Your thorough research and clear communication in the presentation greatly enhanced its impact.”
  2. Explain the impact on the business: Follow up by explaining how this specific behaviour positively impacts the business or your team’s goals. For example, you might say, “Your attention to detail and clarity really helped our client understand the project scope easily. I know this will lead to a stronger, more long-term client relationship.”

As you can see, giving positive feedback is not rocket science.

While it does require some thought, using the above process will ensure that your feedback will be direct and impactful.

Please give more positive feedback.

It’s such a quick, easy and effective way to develop a high-performing team.

Vanessa Judelman

Vanessa Judelman is an author, coach, and sought-after leadership expert. Over the past 20 years, she has created a proven formula to develop results-oriented leaders who feel empowered and confident in their job. Vanessa is the author of Mastering Leadership: What It Takes to Lead in Today’s Fast-Paced World. Order your copy here.

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