Positive feedback strengthens performance and increases the likelihood of repeated success. Really effective supervisors use more positive feedback than they do negative feedback. Here are four ways to use positive feedback successfully.
1. Give positive feedback in front of peers, but make sure that it is done in a manner that is not embarrassing to the person.
2. Explain “why” you are pleased with their performance. Make sure the person understands the relationship between their performance and the success of the team when possible.
3. Place a “letter of commendation” in the person’s personnel file and make sure that the individual has a copy of the letter.
4. Note their successes as part of their performance review so that the person can see the connection between specific successes and your evaluation of overall performance.