Giving performance reviews can be a daunting task for managers. It’s important to know how to give good feedback so that employees can grow and improve their work. Luckily, managers can be trained to give great performance reviews. Here are some tips to get started!
1. Keep it positive
One of the most important things to remember when giving a performance review is to keep the feedback positive. This doesn’t mean sugarcoating things – simply focus on the things that the employee is doing well and give specific examples. This will help to motivate the employee and encourage them to continue doing their best work.
2. Be specific
When giving feedback, it’s important to be as specific as possible. This way, the employee will know exactly what they need to work on. For example, instead of saying “you need to be more organized,” try “I noticed that you didn’t create a to-do list for your project. Next time, try creating a list so that you can stay on track.”
3. Avoid general comments
In addition to being specific, it’s also important to avoid making general comments. For example, instead of saying “you need to be more organized,” try “I noticed that you didn’t create a to-do list for your project. Next time, try creating a list so that you can stay on track.”
4. Use “I” statements
When giving feedback, avoid using “you” statements. For example, instead of saying “you’re not meeting my expectations,” try “I’m noticing that you’re not meeting my expectations.” This will help the employee feel as though you’re on their side, and not against them.
5. Avoid using “but”
When giving feedback, it’s important to avoid using the word “but.” For example, instead of saying, “you’re doing a great job, but you need to work on your communication skills,” try “I noticed that you’re doing a great job. I also noticed that you could improve your communication skills by XYZ.”
6. Avoid using “never” or “always”
When giving feedback, it’s important to avoid using absolutes such as “never” or “always.” For example, instead of saying “you never communicate with your team,” try “I noticed that you didn’t communicate with your team as much as I would like.” This will help the employee feel as though they’re not being attacked, and that there’s room for improvement.
7. Avoid using “should”
When giving feedback, it’s important to avoid using the word “should.” For example, instead of saying “you should be more organized,” try “I noticed that you didn’t create a to-do list for your project. Next time, try creating a list so that you can stay on track.”
8. Be aware of your tone
Your tone of voice can say just as much as the words you’re using. When giving feedback, be aware of your tone and make sure that it’s not coming across as condescending or angry. Instead, try to sound supportive and positive.
9. Listen to the employee’s response
After you’ve given your feedback, it’s important to listen to the employee’s response. They may have something to say that you didn’t consider, and this can help you to adjust your feedback accordingly.
10. Follow up
Finally, it’s important to follow up with the employee after you’ve given your feedback. This shows that you’re committed to helping them improve and that you’re interested in their development. Try setting up a meeting to discuss the feedback and see how the employee is doing.
Giving performance reviews can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can ensure that your feedback is constructive and helpful. With a little practice, your team will be trained in no time!
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