Feedback
Feedback is important in the workplace due to constant changes, in particular, frequent reengineering of positions and roles. Managers need to provide information about changing expectations and requirements. Feedback is information that enables individuals or groups to compare actual performance with a given standard or expectation. Feedback involves offering your perceptions and describing your feelings in a nonjudgmental manner. Feedback supplies data to help others examine and change behaviors. It also assists in goal setting and performance improvement.
Feedback can result in the development of professional confidence and competence. It can help the employee to better understand his/her role in the organization. Feedback can result in enhanced employee morale, improved employee relations, greater teamwork, and enhanced productivity. Additionally, feedback provides insight into how other’s perceptions us and aids in the development of self-improvement plans upon which to learn and grow.
Constructive feedback serves two functions: instruction and motivation. According to your textbook, effective feedback is:
- specific rather than general.
- non-personal.
- work-related—directly related to the job.
- documentable—fact-based rather than based on hearsay.
- descriptive—focused on a specific behavior that can be changed or controlled by the recipient.
- non-prescriptive—avoids moralizing or being judgmental or prescriptive.
- timely—prompt, yet done appropriately.
- frequent—ongoing formal and informal basis.
- purposeful—focused on only one or two specific topics.
- constructive and balanced—balance of positive and negative comments.
- in the appropriate setting.
- interactive—best when it is a two-way interchange.