I am one of those people who would rather receive negative feedback than give it. I hate having to tell people that they messed up or were wrong. I do not like confrontation. If someone comes to me asking for help or advice, I readily give it but I have a hard time approaching someone to address a problem.
Why do So Many Managers Avoid Giving Praise
This article discussed the fact that many managers do not give positive feedback and view it as optional. The author, however, believes that this is a mistake. In the article it is stated that managers underestimate the value of positive feedback and think that only negative feedback is necessary, however, employees who were polled think that managers should give both.
I am inclined to agree. I have worked at places before where my manager only ever spoke to me when I had made a mistake that needed to be addressed. I began to dread seeing him because we rarely had positive encounters. I feel like when you only hear about what you do wrong, that is all you begin to see. I have also worked at a place where I had a biweekly feedback session with my supervisor. During those times, I was told what I had done well and also what I needed to work on. Those sessions were much more positive. I think many managers feel that their silence is enough to indicate a job well done and I don't believe that is true.
Seven Characteristics (and Six Tools) That Support Meaningful Feedback
This article explored seven aspects of meaningful feedback. The first one was about offering solutions and not just pointing out problems. I think this is one of the most important ones. If all I am told is that I was wrong, I feel defeated and don't know how to fix the problem but when I am given advice I am motivated to get back to work. I also think balanced is good advice. When giving critics it is important to point out good and bad. If you only talk about the bad, it seems that is all there is.
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