Giving positive feedback
When managers give their team members feedback, they have a better idea of how they're doing at work. Although a little constructive criticism can help an employee improve their efforts, offering positive feedback is equally important. This recognition and praise lead to many positive outcomes, like improved employee morale, higher productivity, and more motivation. Let's discuss the importance of positive feedback and share some positive feedback examples you can use.
Learn more: How to Give More Powerful Positive Feedback
Why is positive feedback important?
Positive feedback is an important part of maintaining an uplifting work culture. Receiving praise and validation can help employees understand their strengths and the expectations of the company. With too much criticism, employees can become hypercritical of themselves and hesitant to try new things. When you receive positive feedback, you may be more apt to continue developing your skills and pushing your boundaries. This can lead to more productivity, motivation, and innovation in the workplace.
Learn more: 4 Ways To Deliver Constructive Criticism Remotely Without Altering Employee Morale
How to give positive feedback
Follow these steps on how to give positive feedback in the workplace:
1. Include specific details
When giving positive feedback, include specific details of what the other person did well. Highlight certain skills they have and what you like about their work. Explain how their efforts positively impacted the company.
2. Choose the right timing
Rather than waiting for a performance review, give positive feedback as soon as you notice an employee or fellow coworker doing a good job. By waiting too long, they may forget about the specific processes they used. Giving feedback right away can help them continue to do work and feel motivated.
3. Share the wealth
Instead of focusing on just one person, make sure to give everyone positive feedback at some point. By praising your team members when they earn it, everyone can feel important and valued. If you feel like boosting your team’s morale, focus on their strengths, and make an effort to point them out.
Learn more: 8 Ways To Self-Audit For Unconscious Bias As A Manager
4. Make it public when appropriate
For certain accomplishments, you can give an employee public praise. Knowing that everyone recognizes your work is an extra good feeling. You could give this positive feedback at a company meeting or through a company-wide email thread. This also helps other employees and managers see the value this person adds to the company.
5. Keep it special
Although it’s good to give everyone positive feedback eventually, only do so when they truly deserve it. If you’re giving positive feedback just for the sake of it, it can start to lose its meaning. Instead, give praise when an employee is doing an especially good job.
10 positive feedback examples
These positive feedback examples are common situations when you would give someone at work praise:
1. When an employee works overtime
Thank you for putting in the extra work lately. I know that since we’re short-staffed, you have been coming to work early and staying late. I just wanted to know your extra efforts haven’t gone unnoticed, and we truly appreciate having you around.
2. When an employee solves a problem
Great work on finding a solution to our client’s problem. I would have never thought of it that way. Now I know who to go to when I need some creative input. Keep up the good work!
3. When an employee is extra helpful
The marketing department let me know that you’ve been helping them with their big project. I really appreciate you taking the initiative to find new ways to be helpful. I will definitely keep this in mind when it’s time for our annual review.
4. When an employee adds value to a meeting
Your questions during last week’s meeting were super helpful. We never thought about them before, so I’m glad that you addressed them. We even made some big changes to our campaign thanks to you. If you could come to next week’s meeting, I would really appreciate it. Thanks again!
5. When an employee aces their presentation
I’ve never seen such an organized and interesting presentation before. Thanks for sharing your data and research. I really liked the part about strategies to prevent climate change. I can see you doing more great things with this insight.
6. When an employee received positive client feedback
Hey, I wanted to let you know our biggest client loves the logo you designed. They said they are excited to move forward with your concept. Thanks for taking this project to the next level. I’m excited to see what else you’ll create for this client.
7. When an employee takes on new responsibilities
I’ve noticed all the progress you’ve made since your promotion. The way you take on new work is truly admirable. I bet by this time next year, you’ll be ready for even more responsibilities.
Learn more: How to Go From Entry-Level to the Next Level
8. When an employee showcases their new skill
The way you learned how to use our company’s new software is amazing. I’ve never seen someone catch on so fast. This just shows how driven and motivated you are. I want you to know that these qualities add a lot of value to our team.
9. When an employee finishes a hectic week
Wow, this week was crazy, but you handled it so well. I was especially impressed with the way you interacted with that upset customer. It’s clear that you have great communication skills. Hopefully, next week calms down a little, but at least you have proved you can work well under pressure.
10. When an employee offers creative insights
You had such wonderful ideas at this week’s brainstorming session. I want to further discuss some of them with you when you have a chance. Thanks again for preparing and not being afraid to step outside of your comfort zone.