Given how unpleasant giving critical feedback can be, it is no wonder providing feedback is one of the more difficult parts of a manager’s job. Yet, surprising findings show that people admitted that they avoided giving positive feedback. Apparently, leaders or managers vastly underestimate the power and necessity of positive reinforcement.
Source: Harvard Business Review, May 2, 2017.
Giving positive feedback shows your direct reports that you are in their corner, and that you want them to win and to succeed. Once people know you are their advocate, it should also make giving criticism less stressful and more effective.
INSIGHTS: The power of a heartfelt thank you or a specific compliment about how an employee or colleague handled a customer interaction goes a long way toward employee satisfaction.