Giving feedback is often a challenge, as 37% of managers admit to feeling uncomfortable providing constructive criticism. But feedback can be an extremely positive experience and it's important to remember that 82% of employees actually appreciate being told about their strengths and weaknesses. Positive feedback, which focuses on the strengths, value and contributions of the recipient, is closely related to another concept, positive reinforcement. Therefore, it can be beneficial to keep an eye out for opportunities to praise good behaviours, rather than constantly focusing on what someone is doing wrong.
Research shows that positive feedback offers numerous benefits both for the individual receiving it as well as for the entire team. According to a Gallup survey, when managers focus on their employees' strengths, 67% of employees become fully engaged in their work. On the other hand, when the focus is on weaknesses, only 31% of employees stay engaged. Providing positive feedback can also help increase trust and morale in the team, which leads to more consistent motivation and performance. Furthermore, a study by organisational psychologist Dr. Marcial Losada found that the ideal ratio of positive and negative feedback from a manager in a high-performing team should be around six to one.
With this type of positive feedback you can boost engagement, performance and help reach team goals. Make sure to use words such as "appreciate," "thank you," and "great job," and try to focus on specific behaviours you'd like to see more of. Keeping the focus on strengths, contributions and values will allow you to create a supportive and positive work environment.
Showing appreciation for your employees' hard work is a great way to ensure that everyone feels valued and motivated � especially in hybrid and remote work environments. Here are seven ideas which can help you appreciate the work your team does:
If you�re not a direct manager of the team working on a project, but you can see that they�re putting in a lot of effort to make it a success, you can show your appreciation by offering your assistance to take any lower priority projects off their plate. You could also suggest they put some of their work aside until the project is complete.
Everybody loves to be praised for their successes, so why not use small wins as an opportunity to show your employee appreciation? You could celebrate a job well done by letting them finish early to enjoy a well-earned break, or offering them a complimentary meal voucher. It doesn�t have to be expensive, but it will help to show them you care about their work.
Recognizing a colleague's great work is important, even if you are not in the same department. Positive feedback can go a long way to motivate and inspire employees to continue putting in their best effort.
For example, if someone is consistently delivering high-quality work, you can express your appreciation for their hard work in the following way: "I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the quality of your work. I can tell you take pride in your work and it shows in your deliverables. Good work, thank you!"
When a team member steps up to help accomplish goals or take on new challenges, make sure to express your gratitude. This will encourage them to continue taking initiative and going the extra mile.
For example, if an employee has recently taken on extra responsibilities, you can acknowledge their efforts in the following way: "I know you've absorbed some extra work recently. Thank you for stepping up to help keep the team on track towards our goals. I appreciate the extra effort and initiative you've shown in these last couple of weeks."
It takes a lot of skill, patience, and negotiation to resolve conflicts between teams. When an employee is able to facilitate a peaceful agreement, it's important to acknowledge their hard work and thank them for their efforts.
For example, if an employee is able to resolve a conflict between two teams and come to a beneficial agreement, you can show your appreciation in the following way: "Thank you for going the extra mile. You navigated this situation particularly well and were able to find a solution and keep both teams happy. I recognize that's not an easy situation to handle but you exceeded all expectations."
It's also important to recognize employees for meeting ambitious goals and achieving success. Acknowledging their hard work and dedication will inspire other members of the team and motivate them to strive for excellence.
For example, if an employee has recently met their goals, express your appreciation in the following way: "I'm really proud of the work you've done this quarter. You showed grit and courage. Thank you for all your hard work to meet your milestones."
Starting a new job can be intimidating and challenging, so when someone is able to make a positive impact in their early days, it's important to show your appreciation. This will make them feel valued and appreciated.
For example, if an employee has impressed the team with their attitude and projects in their early days, you can express your gratitude in the following way: "You've only been here a short time but you've already impressed the team with your attitude and the projects you've owned so far. That can be hard to do so early on, with all of the new information coming your way, so we are all very grateful and impressed by your work so far. Welcome to the team!"
Employees who are proactive and creative in problem-solving and devising workarounds should be rewarded and acknowledged for their efforts. This type of dedication reflects positively on the whole team.
For example, if an employee is able to find a creative and effective way to get around a major roadblock, express your appreciation in the following way: "You were brilliant in finding a way for us to still move forward.The workaround you proposed really saved this project and I'm so grateful for your work to make it happen. Way to keep a positive attitude throughout."
It's also important to remember to show appreciation for those who are always going the extra mile and taking on additional responsibilities. Whether it's completing projects flawlessly or helping out other members of the team, it's important to recognize people for their efforts.
For example, if someone is consistently doing a great job, you can express your admiration in the following way: "You have completed X, Y, and Z projects flawlessly in the last few weeks. You've been instrumental in the launch of ABC project. And you are always the first person to raise your hand to help someone else out. I admire your work and learn from you every day."
Showing employee appreciation doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. A simple gesture of thank you can go a long way in creating a positive, engaging workplace culture and reinforcing the value of each team member�s contributions.
It's increasingly difficult to stay in contact with coworkers in today's virtual world. However, when one of your team members takes it upon themselves to host virtual social hours without "work talk," it can be an incredibly refreshing break and an opportunity to get to know each other better. This type of initiative can have a profoundly positive effect on the employee experience and should be acknowledged and thanked accordingly.
Your organization always places great emphasis on professional growth and learning. When one of your subordinates recently enrolled in an online course to learn a new coding language, you were impressed not only with the new skills they acquired, but also with their eagerness to upskill and share their newfound knowledge with the team.
It can be difficult for someone who is used to working alone to reach out to their supervisor for advice. When you notice such milestones and acknowledge them, it can act as a powerful motivator and provide positive reinforcement.
When it comes to expressing your appreciation for a job well done, be sure to be specific and time it right. After a successful demonstration, for example, let them know how you noticed the progress they've made and admired their narrative ability. If they bring innovative ideas to the table, make sure to thank them for their creativity and out-of-the-box thinking - especially if they align with your organization's core values.
Consistent positive feedback helps employees progress and improve morale and employee experience, plus it shows that their work is valued. In offering feedback, strive to be genuine, personal, and, if possible, visible to everyone.
If you're looking to take your team's performance up a notch and bring more joy to their day-to-day, regular feedback and personalized support can be a great way to unlock their potential. While it can be intimidating to open up and receive feedback, fostering a workplace culture of open communication can lead to higher employee engagement and morale, as well as decreased staff turnover.
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that can have far-reaching effects. Make sure to recognize and amplify the hard work of your team members, and with the right attitude, you can make a positive difference in their work and lives.
Hopefully, this article has been helpful in showcasing the importance of positive employee feedback. By actively practising this new feedback mechanism, you can help take employee engagement to the next level.
Establishing a culture of trust and accountability in the workplace can have multiple positive effects on employee performance and overall experience. If you're looking for ways to create and maintain this culture, here are five ideas to consider.
One of the most important aspects of fostering a trusting environment is to provide team members with a safe space to communicate honestly and openly. Make sure that your team knows they can voice opinions without fear of repercussions. Consider conducting regular team meetings, individual feedback sessions, or anonymous surveys for team members to share their thoughts.
As part of a culture of trust, it's important that everyone feels appreciated for their hard work. Make sure to thank people for their contributions with thank-you cards, praise, awards, or other gestures of recognition. Your team will feel acknowledged and valued.
Treating everyone with respect builds emotional intelligence and a healthy environment. When difficult conversations arise, make sure that mutual respect is the goal. Even if there is disagreement, each party should be able to express their perspective without judgement.
Receiving feedback can be hard, but it is a necessary skill to developing a successful team. When those comments are received in an appropriate, respectful way, it can be a powerful tool for creating an effective and positive workplace. Being open-minded and ready to listen is the key to unlocking your team's potential.
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