Effective feedback
I think that the only effective feedback is the truth. It takes no more than good, honest remarks or suggestions to let a person know how he/ she can improve. In any workplace, whatever the boss has to say must be said, and I disagree when people say, “well… I think the boss should be nice and respect the emotions of the employee.” The manager should say exactly what needs to be said to motivate the employee. That’s not to say he should scream his head off, but he should be firm and commanding when conveying his point. I also think that it is partly the manager’s fault if the employee reaches a point where he is completely slacking off. The manager should constantly keep tabs on the employees under him. This would ensure that every small problem in the level of efficiency or quality of work is taken care of in a timely manner.
Comments
Posted by: Mat Coolidge
Posted on: December 11, 2005 05:52 PM
I agree that truth is very effective feedback. The problem is that one cannot always share the whole truth. If you told someone they were the worst "cheeseburger flipper" that you had every seen in your whole life. There might not be a lot of progress. On the other hand, it might be better to say something like "I think we should help you with you cheeseburger flipping skills, there may be some room for improvement". But you are no doubt correct that honesty is the only way to provide effective feedback and an opportunity to improve.
Posted by: Erin Christmas
Posted on: December 11, 2005 06:35 PM
I agree with both Matts inputs on effective feedback. I just wanted to add a small comment. I think feedback is more effective when it is done more frequently in smaller pieces. For example, having a quarterly appraisal, sometimes even only an annual appraisal, which feedback is given can be stressful and a little overwhelming. Like the readings talk about, it is better to give only two or three points of improvement so the employee's head does not explode. If i were a manager, i would probably on a weekly basis, check in with each of my employees and give one point of feedback. That way it is clear that i am interested in their work and recognize their efforts. Also, it would be easier for them to adjust to any possible problems and reduce the chances of them having to redo something.