Evaluation — Positive Feedback at Work
BEFORE REVISION
Just saying, in no way, shape or form is this completed. Still needs a lot of work. What do you think?
Evaluation — Positive Feedback at Work
Feedback is crucial to learning and development. Providing feedback in the wrong way can lead to discontented employees and an unsatisfying situation to be part of. Providing feedback appropriately can promote a positive work atmosphere where communication lines are open and employees are content.
By its definition, feedback is the process of evaluating information based on a reaction or response to a particular activity. In this case, we will discuss positive and negative feedback and its affect on employees and the work environment.
What constitutes negative feedback? Negative feedback can be many things. Essentially, negative feedback is simply criticism. A manager may not have a good relationship with the employee, or employees, that need to be evaluated. This can be a negative experience for said staff member, or staff members. If a manager yells or reprimands an employee, this is also a poor experience for the one being evaluated. A manager that provides no response is the worst form of negative feedback one could imagine. No evaluation means no improvement. A setting where this takes place can bring a team down.
What happens when managers provide little positive feedback? Bad things happen. It has been proven many times in many places. The most notable account of this was in the American postal system. Think about the phrase “gone postal” as applying here. It is amusing, but slightly beside the point.
Bad things happen when the workforce does not get suitable feedback. Staff members become disgruntled and unhappy. Said employees have low esteem for the company or manager for which they work. The environment becomes unnerving and stressful. Morale falls tremendously. Employees that could potentially be the best employees in the company leave for more hospitable work places. This puts the company in loss mode. Negative experiences ultimately cost companies money.
Now, let us get into a positive mindset! This is where everyone needs to be. Let’s face it; no single person likes negativity. I see far too many employers not providing enough support to their employees. Positivity can really make a company stand out. This is what employers should want.
How can managers provide feedback in a positive manner? When it comes to providing feedback to employees in a positive way, I prefer the sandwich method. The sandwich method begins with stating the valuable work seen in an employee. Then, the manager proceeds to discussing the areas that need improvement. This would include how the manager will assist the employee in becoming better at what they do. Finally, the discussion should end with restating the positive things the employee has accomplished. The manager and employee should be participating in an active discussion throughout this process. At the end of the session, there should be mutual respect and understanding. This is generally where I see work relationships fail.
How does this affect the work place? The answer to this question is simple. Positivity creates and positive environment with positive people (redundancy for emphasis). Managers and employees mutually understand and respect each other. Lines of communication are open and free for anyone that may need to express a concern or statement. This could be thought of in terms of the “Open Door” policy many human resource departments put into application. Happy employees do their jobs better. Happy employees are more willing to do extra work. In this economy that is important to many employers. This is an easy win-win situation for everyone involved. These are just a few of the many beneficial impacts positive feedback can have at work.
As stated previously, feedback is essential in making people better at what they do. A worker’s performance is enhanced by this simple form of interaction. The better people do with their work the better a company does overall. Positive feedback, which is a characteristic I see many managers lacking, is crucial to learning and development.
Providing feedback improperly can create an awful environment for people to work in. Positive feedback can build rapport between staff and managers, thus building a more effective team through enhanced communication and a deeper respect for one another. The emphasis is on positivity.
