Don’t ever underestimate the power of positive feedback!

How often do we criticize, berate and chastise someone for making a mistake, no matter how trivial or inconsequential? Hopefully, not very often. On the flip side, how often do we acknowledge someone for doing something right? I’m proud to say it’s quite often here at CML Recruitment. Many find it easy to compliment someone at an office dress down than it is participating in a ‘high five – whooping session’.

Giving positive feedback can be a powerful tool for employers, employees, and new recruits as it contributes to a more efficient work environment. Don’t know how to give positive feedback – here are 8 great ways to start.

8 Tips For Giving Great Positive Feedback

1. Start Today

Positive feedback is too important to let slide. If you believe your feedback can help someone, say it immediately and as soon as the deed is done.

2. Make It Public

While negative feedback should be given privately, positive feedback should be given publicly. Why? Giving positive feedback in front of a crowd can motivate other members of your team to give feedback as well. This leads to better communication and an active work environment.

3. Be Specific

As tempting as it would be to say “Good job, Dave.” Instead say something like “Dave, that new application you developed for ‘straight-through transaction processing’ has really improved our efficiency and financial wastage. Thanks for coming up with it.”

4. Make A Big Deal Out Of It

You don’t want to assemble the entire company every time you give positive feedback; as it will get old and cheapen the achievement. An alternative would be to express your positive feedback during scheduled team meetings and make it special.

5. Consider The Receiver

It is important to consider the feeling of the person receiving the recognition. For a very shy person, thanking them in front of their workgroup is probably most appropriate. For another person, possibly even just an email or Microsoft teams message will suffice. You know your team (or I sure hope you do!), so do what feels right for the individual receiving the feedback.

6. Do It Often

Who says positive feedback has to be only given on special occasions? Don’t wait for the big successes. Get into the routine of celebrating the small victories too.

7. Make It Even

Big successes need big recognition; small successes need smaller recognition. If you throw a party for every small success, you diminish its effect on a big success.

8. Be Sincere

When giving positive feedback, keep it fresh and sincere. It wouldn’t be wise to praise someone for coming in on time or for just doing their job. Other team members will see right through you. Positive feedback creates the most impact when you are sincere.

As a leader/manager/employer, it’s important to give positive feedback as it helps to build a stronger and more engaged team – we hope these tips can help get you started! If you’re looking for more tips on how to strengthen the engagement of your staff, reach out to our team today at info@cml.ky for a personalized HR consultation and we’ll see how we can help you take your team or business to the next level.