What every team leader should aspire for is a strong and productive team. Positive feedback is one of the effective ways strong teams can be built. It helps team leaders or managers to build confidence, motivate and reward team members. Oftentimes, it is not regarded as employees are expected to consistently take up roles and do well in the position without the need for such feedback.

However, where practiced, positive feedback can help improve the performance and productivity level of employees. Also, it can be effective when the company aims to reduce employee turnover and attrition.

What Is Positive Feedback?

Positive feedback is a type of review that focuses on highlighting the strength, skills and achievements of employees. Giving positive feedback as a team leader or manager will help in encouraging employees and also inspiring and motivating them to work harder. They get commended for their efforts. Hence, they get what they are doing well and what needs improvement.

Why Is Positive Feedback Important?

Based on recent research, 82% of employees value feedback, whether positive or negative. Receiving it can be beneficial to them for multiple reasons, including the following:

It Helps Employees Build Confidence and Motivation

Regularly hearing positive feedback strengthens positive behavior and actions from employees. Which will help them build confidence and feel valued. Also, it will give them the motivation to continue performing well and put in extra effort to produce excellent work.

It Creates a Supportive Work Culture

Positive feedback encourages a culture of support and encouragement among employees. It fosters an environment where employees feel comfortable giving and receiving feedback, leading to increased engagement and collaboration.

It Improves Employee Performance and Productivity Levels

Positive feedback helps employees understand their roles and overall performance. It clarifies expectations, highlights areas of improvement, and reinforces the behaviors and actions that benefit the employee, team, and organization. This leads to improved performance at all levels and increased productivity.

It Reduces the Rate of Turnover and Attrition

A positive feedback culture creates a trusting and open work environment. An open work environment makes it more likely for employees to feel valued and recognized for their efforts, reducing the likelihood of turnover. It also helps attract and retain top talent, as a positive workplace reputation is more appealing to potential employees.

Promotion of Expected Behaviors

Positive feedback reinforces specific behaviors and actions that are desired in the workplace. When employees receive praise and recognition for their efforts, they are more likely to repeat those behaviors and contribute to the overall success of the team and organization.

Increasing Employee Engagement

Positive feedback contributes to increased employee engagement. When employees feel valued and recognized for their contributions, they are more motivated to perform at their best. Regular feedback exchange also creates opportunities for knowledge sharing and celebrating individual and team successes, further boosting engagement.

How Do You Show Positive Feedback?

To show positive feedback in the workplace, you can follow these steps:

#1. Empathize with Your Team Members

When providing feedback, express your concern and show that you care about the employee’s growth and development. It will help them understand that the feedback is intended to help them improve.

Also, avoid expressing anger, irritation, or disappointment, as it can dilute the message and make the employee emotional. Instead, be direct, straightforward, and sincere in your communication.

#2. Show Appreciation for Work Done Well

When delivering positive feedback, show gratitude and appreciation for the employee’s work. Use specific examples to explain why their actions were valuable and how they contributed to the team or organization. Doing this helps reinforce their positive behavior and encourages them to continue performing at a high level.

#3. Encourage Self-Reflection

When giving feedback, engage with the employee by asking for their thoughts on what happened and why. This allows them to reflect on their actions and better understand the situation. It also shows that you value their perspective and encourage open communication.

#4. Pay Attention to Employee’s Response

While giving feedback, listen actively to the employee’s response. Listening to them shows empathy and creates a space for them to share their thoughts and feelings. It also helps build trust and strengthens the relationship between you and the employee.

#5. Be Specific and Direct

When giving positive feedback, focus on the what and why. Communicate what impressed you and why the employee’s behavior or action was effective. Using this approach provides individuals with clear expectations and helps them understand what they are doing well.

#6. Make It Timely

Positive feedback should be given while the memories are still fresh. It doesn’t have to happen immediately after an action, but it should be given promptly. Timely feedback helps individuals connect the feedback with their actions and reinforces the behavior.

#7. Create a Culture of Feedback

Encourage a culture where everyone is comfortable giving and receiving feedback. This can be fostered by promoting open communication, inviting feedback from all levels of the organization, and recognizing the value of feedback in personal and professional growth.

8. Use a Variety of Feedback Channels

Positive feedback can be delivered in various ways to suit different situations and preferences. Consider using different channels such as one-on-one meetings, team meetings, emails, or recognition platforms to provide positive feedback. Tailor your approach to the individual and the context to ensure the feedback is well-received and effective.

What Is an Example of Positive Feedback?

There are several ways you can give positive feedback:

1. Acknowledging an employee who did well in their new role

Wendy was given a new task, and she handled it very well. As a manager, you can give the following positive feedback to let her know she did well

• Example of positive feedback you can give:

“It was a good choice to give you this new role. You challenged yourself and have done very well. Management is pleased with how you carried out the tasks using your organizational skills, proving it was a good decision. Keep up the good work!

2. Recognizing an employee who is a good team player

You just hired new team members, who need help throughout the onboarding process, and one of your employees took the initiative to help train and bring them up to speed. 

• Example of positive feedback you can give:

“I appreciate that you took it upon yourself to help the new employees onboard. Thank you for ensuring things go well with the team and are successful.”

3. An employee who resolved conflict well

An employee that handles conflict well shows great leadership skills. Hence, when an employee steps up to resolve conflict in the workplace, they should receive positive feedback on it.

• Example of positive feedback you can give:

“Peter, you did a great job resolving the conflict at today’s meeting. You displayed good resolution skills by making both parties feel heard and understood, which helped resolve the issue. The issue might have escalated if it was not for your quick and smooth response. Thank you!”

4. Encouraging an employee who is dedicated to excellence

Having teammates that are dedicated to achieving excellence is truly rare. That is why a situation like this is a great opportunity to give positive feedback to colleagues.

• Example of positive feedback you can give:

“I see your dedication to work; it is very inspiring, and I want to commend you. You are consistent and always willing to help other team members to ensure an excellent output. It is an example to everyone, and we are happy to have you on the team”. 

5. An employee shows skill improvement after receiving constructive feedback

When you have given constructive feedback about their skill and performance, you start noticing good changes in said skill and performance. 

• Example of positive feedback you can give:

“You did amazing in today’s presentation. I’m impressed you have made big improvements over the months, and I appreciate how much you’ve worked to crush goals and incorporate company values in your work. Keep up the good work!”

Positive Feedback Loop

A positive feedback loop in the workplace is a process where a company listens to employees’ complaints or grievances and uses that feedback to improve internal structure and workplace satisfaction. This increases employee well-being, retention, improved processes, and profits.

To implement a positive feedback loop in the workplace, consider the following steps:

• Create a safe space: Make it clear to employees that feedback is always welcome and that there will never be any retribution for offering negative input.
• Gather feedback: Collect employee feedback through various channels such as surveys, interviews, or anonymous feedback systems.
• Analyze feedback: Use machine learning tools or sentiment analysis techniques to analyze the feedback and identify patterns or areas for improvement.
• Act on feedback: Implement changes based on the feedback received. This could involve improving work culture, processes, and internal functions or addressing specific employee concerns.
• Notify employees: Communicate the changes made or inform them that their feedback has been heard. This is an important step to ensure that employees feel valued and their voices have been considered.

Tips on Building a Winning Team Using Positive Feedback

To create a good team using positive feedback, you can follow these strategies:

• Provide specific positive feedback on team members’ work, demonstrating attention and making them feel valued.
• Timely positive feedback, especially after accomplishments, reinforces desired behavior, while delayed feedback may have a different impact. Hence timing is crucial.
• Recognize team members’ contributions and achievements, avoid playing favorites, and seek positive feedback opportunities.
• Recognize employees’ contributions in visible ways, such as meetings, congratulating the entire team, or posting appreciation messages, to boost team morale and motivation.
• Be genuine and personal in positive feedback, tailoring it to each individual’s strengths and contributions for meaningful impact.
• Foster a positive feedback culture by leading by example, promoting open communication, and continuous improvement.
• Positive feedback inspires team members to perform at their best, increasing engagement, productivity, and overall team success by recognizing and appreciating their efforts.

Conclusion

As a team leader or manager, if you are yet to implement a feedback loop in the workplace, it will be advisable to start now in order to build a strong and productive team. You can consider using feedback channels to motivate and inspire employees. Overall, both the organization and employees will benefit from the practice.

Related Articles

• Delegative Leadership: Using Delegative Leadership Style to Improve Team Success
• Life Coach: What They Do and How You Can Become One

References

• Vantage Circle
• Indeed