Give Feedback that Fills the Spirit #management

This is a portion of a real email:

“Super! Very well done. Exactly what I requested.”

After seeing this, and feeling its effect, it got me thinking about how some people are so much better at providing feedback and reinforcement than others. A message like the one above, sent in a timely manner so that the “what” is very clear, not only reinforces expectations and provides feedback, it buoys the spirit.

We all want to hear that we nailed it.

I have known managers who would never tell someone he or she did an amazing job and this is a shame. Bad, bad manager! The power of being fully expressive with your feedback is immense. I am not suggesting that you tell someone he or she nailed it if he or she did not. I am suggesting that you should not hesitate to make someone’s day with high praise when deserved.

It’s like finding a box of Godiva truffles on your desk chair but is less likely to result in post-enjoyment guilt.

Comments

[Brandon Jones]

Lisa,

I really like this post. It is very important to provide feedback to your employees because it helps them to feel validated. At the same time, from the leaders perspective it is important to show gratitude to those who work for you. There have been times when I have received the type of feedback you mentioned and it has made a huge difference in my performance. Thanks for sharing your thoughts in this post!