08 Aug MASTERING THE ART OF EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK: EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES FOR SUCCESS
Feedback has the power to impact an employee’s performance. However, transmitting an appropriate message and fulfilling a purpose is essential. First, feedback needs to be asked by employees or they need to be informed in advance by the supervisor before providing feedback to avoid confusion, stress, and surprise. Also, it is critical to take the time to prepare from both sides to create a space to keep a productive conversation.
Secondly, feedback must have a clear purpose and points to discuss, with specific ideas, solid arguments, and evidence to use as guidance for the employee on what it is that they have to improve or keep up because feedback is not only to correct performance but also to recognize good work. However, mixing both is not a good idea because the message can be confusing.
During the feedback process, empathy is essential to catch the attention and transmit a good message. Also, the level of commitment could depend on how the conversation develops, but it must flow through a good environment.
Feedback should be developed in a variety of periods; it must occur when circumstances or employees demand them. However, following up on commitments agreed upon during the session to validate and recognize progress and to correct or complete pending actions is necessary.
This process is very sensible for people; that’s why it is as essential to be prudent and carry it out in a private meeting to avoid exposing employees in front of coworkers as it is to help build confidence in the person who expresses all their thoughts, feelings and ideas, to guarantee a reciprocal conversation that would be more effective.
Finally, focusing on performance and not personality is mandatory because the last one is very subjective and could attack people´s sensitivity and morale, creating a tense situation and unnecessary discussion. Instead, give evidence of the problem that affects performance; doing so will help the employee realize the bottom line and improve performance.
In conclusion, feedback is a robust employee development and growth tool that must be developed when circumstances or employees require it, who must be prepared and informed in advance, with a specific purpose and topic, be empathic during the conversation, allowing employees to express their ideas in a private place, focusing on performance and following up on commitments.
Miguel Moreno, CFO
August 8, 2023