Guidelines for Giving Constructive Feedback to Employees
1. Make sure the feedback is necessary and beneficial.
2. Focus on behavior that can be observed.
3. Turn negative feedback into an opportunity for learning.
4. Negative feedback should include specific suggestions for how the employee can improve.
5. Don’t over generalize. Avoid saying “you always” or “you never.”
6. Own your feedback. Use “I” statements rather than “you” statements. Stay away from “the organization thinks” and “we believe.”
7. Focus feedback on behavior the person can change.
8. Mix positive with negative feedback.
9. Get feedback about your feedback.
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