Great leaders know that giving their employees positive feedbacks is the best way to boost morale, productivity, and engagement. So much so that new data from Gallup shows that employees are almost four times more likely to be involved than their coworkers when they strongly agree that they got “meaningful feedback” in the past week. Feedback needs to be useful, but it also needs to be given quickly and often. That means giving feedback right away instead of waiting until the end of the year.
Don’t forget that criticism goes both ways. Managers open to feedback from above can grow as leaders and keep their teams motivated. There are different kinds of feedback, but positive feedback focuses on what people have done well, what they are good at, and what they have done well. Positive feedback builds trust, morale, and recognition, which makes workers feel more emotionally connected to their work.
We all like to be complimented, but giving positive comments isn’t just about being friendly to your team. These examples of positive feedbacks will help you say what you want to say in a way that works and motivates you.
Here are 10 feedbacks that you can give to your employees:
1. Adapting well
Employees can find it hard to adapt to change, especially in today’s world, where layoffs and reorganizations are becoming more common. So, giving people feedbacks for being resilient and adaptable is important.
“I know the team has undergone many management changes in the past month. Thank you for all your work to make the changes easier for everyone on the team. You’ve shown great teamwork and helped everyone get through the change.”
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2. Taking on more duties
As cuts happen, it can be hard to be one of the people who stays on the job. There is also the joy that you still have a job and the feeling of being too busy from taking on more work.
“I’ve noticed that you’ve been taking on many jobs lately. I want you to know that you’re doing a great job and that your hard work is appreciated. Please let me know if you need more help.”
3. Working extra hours
According to a study from the ADP Research Institute, workers between 18 and 34 put in an average of 8 hours and 30 minutes of unpaid overtime weekly. Will these people go the extra mile if they don’t get credit for their hard work?
“Thank you for all the extra hours you’ve been putting in lately to cover for people on leave. Your work has helped us maintain our excellent customer service and ensure that all jobs are finished on time.
4. Setting an impression as a new hire
It can be scary to join a new group, especially if there is too much information. That’s why making your new hire feel seen and respected is important.
“I know it can be scary to be a newcomer, but I want you to know that your friends have already told me many good things about you. I’ve noticed that you’ve been enthusiastic, upbeat, and eager to learn.”
5. Coming up with a brilliant concept
Another example of good feedbacks could be when an employee adds new ideas to a project. You want to encourage them to do this so they feel more comfortable and continue to share their thoughts.
“I thought your idea in the meeting this morning was great. I could tell you gave it a lot of thought, which will help speed up the project schedule. Well done!”
6. Reaching objectives
Even if you expect people to reach their goals, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be recognized. By giving people feedbacks for their work, you push them to keep doing it.
“I saw that you reached all of your goals for the quarter—great job! You’re showing the rest of the team how to do things right. I can’t wait to see your great work in the next quarter.”
7. Solving complex problems
Workers who are good at finding solutions to problems go the extra mile. By supporting this behavior, your staff will feel like they have more control.
“You did a great job finding a way to eliminate those problems with the project. We got ahead of plan because of your idea, and I’m so glad to have you on the team.”
8. Developing new skills
A person with a growth mindset wants to improve their work. If employees want to learn something new, you can help them by giving them positive comments.
“I saw that you knew how to use that software in a very short time. Tell me if there’s anything else you’d like to know that will help you get more done. I’m here to back you up.”
9. Completing a challenging task
Employees who finish a hard job are motivated and can take charge. Show them how grateful you are that they overcame a problem and did a great job.
“Congratulations on finishing a tough job. I know how hard it was, but you also had a great attitude and worked hard to get through it. Your friends are very happy for you, too.”
10. Taking charge
A responsible worker plans ahead. Instead of waiting for someone to tell them what to do, they take the lead and look for answers.
“Over the past two years, you have changed a lot. The rest of the team looks up to how you deal with problems. “Thank you for always going the extra mile.”
Employees want to be recognized for what they do by their managers, top leaders, and even their peers. By making feedback a part of the culture, you reinforce good behavior and make people feel valued. Over time, everyone will realize that feedback isn’t just welcome and needed. It’s necessary if the company wants to be more successful over time.
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Anisa is a writer who focuses on career and lifestyle topics in an effort to motivate both job searchers and employers towards greater fulfillment in their professional lives.
Reach me at anisa@jobstore.com.