Feedback from customers and employees is important to our growth. How we give feedback will make a big difference on the recipient’s desire to act. At times, the feedback will require some criticism. Vistage speaker Bill Scherer gives some tips on giving constructive criticism.
- Praise in public, criticize in private
- Focus on behavior, not the person
- Clearly describe the behavior you want an employee to change and why
- Ensure the person has an ability to change the behavior
- Keep comments short and on point
- Maintain a positive tone
- Use “I” statements
- Show empathy
- Avoid spontaneous criticism
- Recognize positive behavior change
Follow these guidelines to help deliver the message in the right context, where action can and will want to be taken.
Here’s to positive dialogue that propels your business health!
Mike