How to Give Effective Feedback as a Manager

by Alex Khurgin

68% of employees say they want more feedback. Effective feedback can: Increase productivity Boost engagement Improve employee retention

Why Feedback Matters

1. Situation

Outline the specific situation you want to discuss. This is to ensure you both understand the context behind the conversation and both agree on what occurred or continues to be an ongoing issue.

2. Behavior

Address the precise behavior you want to discuss.

3. Impact

Share the broader implications of this specific behavior. Share the impact this behavior has on you, your team, your client, the rest of the business, etc.

4. Define the Way Forward

Outline next steps and come to a resolution with your employee.

Constructive feedback can motivate an individual to learn more and push them to be the best they can be.  Insightful feedback, when delivered thoughtfully and objectively,  can show people you value them, boost their confidence, and even inspire them to learn and grow. 

The more you share feedback, the easier it will become, so keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it in no time. 

If employees are scared to be their true selves at work or don’t feel their voices are valued, they might be reluctant to speak up, share ideas, and volunteer for projects. This can also lead to an increase in absenteeism, burnout, and ultimately turnover, which can be costly for your organization.  Investing in diversity and inclusion (D&I) is proven to positively impact business performance. When workplaces build an inclusive team and community that embraces diversity, they see increases in innovation and revenue, according to this Harvard Business Review study. That’s why investing in diversity and inclusion should be a priority for any organization. Managers need to appreciate the unique characteristics of everyone on their teams. By leading with vulnerability, empathy, and solidarity, managers can ensure employees from all walks of life feel valued and appreciated at work.  Here’s a look at how managers can use these three skills to build an inclusive team and workplace culture.

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