Adopting a positive attitude in the workplace, as in any sphere of our lives, has a huge impact on our efficiency, performance, and relationships with others. When we have an optimistic outlook on the tasks we need to do at work or when we adopt a positive attitude toward our colleagues, the benefits are undeniable.
When it comes to the relationship an employer has with their employees, it goes without saying that if a company’s leader adopts a positive attitude toward their teams, employees will be more willing to put their hearts into their work. Similarly, it is essential for a company’s leader, or any manager for that matter, to give constructive and positive feedback to employees to promote their optimal performance. In so doing, leaders value the work being done and trust in their employees’ means and capabilities.
Offering constructive and positive feedback to teams: an art that must be learned
In our daily lives, it can be easy to fall into blaming others or being generally negative, especially when you need to act or make decisions under pressure. Unfortunately, this type of behaviour is not effective in business and, moreover, helps absolutely no one.
In today’s world, business leaders have understood that it is their duty not only to help their employees thrive in their jobs by providing the support they need, but also by giving them feedback on their work, keeping the growth of both the company and its employees as their objective. On their end, most employees also expect to receive feedback on their performance so they can see how they can improve.
In fact, there are many benefits to giving constructive feedback to employees.
Climate of transparency
First, in addition to guiding employees in the right direction by providing them with an external perspective on their performance, constructive and positive feedback creates an unequivocal atmosphere of trust and transparency between the employer, the HR director or other manager, and employees. Transparency helps build trust in the workplace: people expect feedback when they are doing a good job, but also when they have made a mistake. This has the effect of creating a sense of security and, in the process, makes the company’s teams stronger. When expectations are clearly identified and feedback is provided constructively and in a timely manner, employees feel that they are trusted to continue their tasks by applying the advice received, and will feel encouraged to reach new objectives.
Showing interest
Giving feedback to your people shows them that you are interested in their work and responsibilities. This means spending time and energy observing what they are doing so that they know you will be able to support them in times of doubt or uncertainty. Demonstrating interest in your employees by sharing your observations, comments, and advice will only strengthen the trusting relationship you’ve established. In addition, they will be more aware of and motivated by their crucial role in the company. This actually means that you are investing in their own development.
Positive feedback spells encouragement
Giving constructive and positive feedback to employees is a way to provide encouragement. This often has the effect of restoring their self-confidence and sometimes even raising their morale. By providing employees with constructive feedback, you help them learn more, improve, and grow within the company. An employee who is constantly encouraged in their role will perform well because they know that their efforts are not going unnoticed.
How do you provide constructive feedback?
First, you must determine when and where to give the employee feedback. As a general rule, it is better to be alone with the person when giving feedback on their actions, achievements, or mistakes. Find a quiet place away from others and, of course, ensure that you have the necessary amount of time to discuss their performance in depth. In short, you should not be in a hurry, as it is very likely that your employee will have questions, but also, it is important to give them your full attention after giving them your feedback.
Second, before offering constructive feedback to an employee, make sure you are in a calm and serene state of mind yourself: do not try to express yourself when you are under stress. Also, be prepared. Do not simply make comments on the spot: have a precise idea of what you want to say and how you will say it.
Finally, before offering feedback to an employee, be empathetic. Make sure as much as possible that they are not going through a difficult time in their personal life and, if so, it would be more useful to simply wait before meeting with them. Keep in mind that everything you say will have an impact on the employee and therefore on the company.
Because we know how important it is to give regular and effective feedback, we have developed a performance evaluation platform that allows you to follow up with your teams, focus on providing personalized support, promote continuous learning, and recognize progress. Your people can also give their own feedback to foster two-way communication between leadership and teams. It is a tool to build a culture that values constructive and effective feedback and to take the pulse of your organization at any time.
Happy employees make for a successful company
As a business leader or HR director, always be sure to show your gratitude to your employees. Recognition is the central element in fostering a good working environment that motivates employees to perform at their best. It is not enough to provide constructive feedback: it is also a commitment to encourage your employees, offer your support and attention, and encourage them to share their own views and opinions. When providing constructive and positive feedback to an employee, be sure to accurately describe the situation and its overall impact, and guide them to a solution.
Finally, providing constructive and positive feedback to your employees will help your business grow and thrive. When done well, it helps motivate employees and allows them to advance within their jobs. For an optimal experience, feedback must be frequent and regular, always with the aim of directing your teams in the right direction and offering them concrete ways to improve their efficiency.
Remember that your employees’ sense of satisfaction and well-being has an immediate impact on their performance!
Pape Wade M.Sc.
Co-founder and CEO
pape.wade@airudi.com
