Every manager knows that criticism isn’t always well received.
Some staffers may ignore it, while others may consider feedback and criticism insulting.
It can be tricky to give staffers feedback without creating hostility.
Consider these five tips to make feedback more constructive and less likely to insult:
1. If it’s not constructive, skip it
Make sure you know how the feedback is going to improve a situation.
If you can’t think of how your criticism will be constructive, it may not be necessary.
2. Find the right time
If staffers are stressed, distracted or frustrated, it might not be the best time to give them feedback. They’ll be less open to new ideas and opinions.
Pick a time of day when staffers aren’t busy or rushed. Ask when is a good time to receive feedback on their progress.
If now isn’t a good time, tell them it can wait until later.
3. Don’t go overboard
While you may want to give a lot of feedback, stick to the main points.
If you give too much information, staffers may get overwhelmed and confused about what they need to change.
4. Choose the right place
Make sure to give feedback away from where others can hear.
Ask employees to take a walk around the building and discuss what they can improve.
5. Give suggestions, not directions
Instead of telling employees how to change, give them a few suggestions on what they can do to improve.
Rather than saying “You need to do it this way,” you could say “I’ve noticed it’s successful when it’s been done this way.”
Employees will feel like you’re trying to help rather than criticize.