Constructive feedback means providing guidance with the aim of supporting improvement and helping your team members succeed. Instead of criticising or highlighting only negative aspects of their behaviour, focus on offering clear, actionable suggestions for improvement. Use specific examples to demonstrate the impact of their behaviour on the team and the business and provide solutions on how they can change.
If an employee’s attitude is creating tension among team members, you could say, “I’ve noticed there’s been some tension during meetings, and I think it might be helpful to work on a more positive tone when offering feedback to colleagues.” This approach highlights the issue while offering a way forward.
It’s also crucial to provide feedback in a private, one-on-one setting to avoid embarrassment or defensiveness. The goal should be to maintain respect and encourage the employee to take ownership of their behaviour while working towards improvement. Remember not to make it personal; feedback in a professional setting should focus on work-related behaviours rather than personal attributes.
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