Example of Effective Positive Feedback

1. DESCRIBE CURRENT BEHAVIOURS

4. IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE BEHAVIOURS

Bonnie. I would like to discuss with you how you have demonstrated judgment, initiative and independence on the job over the last year.

Specifically: You distinguish between when you can handle a situation and when you need help.

You initiate your own goals, plans, schedules, and work efforts with little to no direction or supervision.

How can I open new doors of opportunity for you?

Would you like more visibility with customers and/or senior management, challenges, autonomy, leadership opportunities, etc.   If not, that’s OK! You'll still have our appreciation!

How can we reward your efforts with that which motivates you and is within our control (e.g. verbal and written praise?)

2. IDENTIFY SITUATIONS

3. DESCRIBE IMPACTS AND CONSEQUENCES

A. On Project 'ABC’ you accurately identified technical errors in a briefing and corrected it with an immediate and appropriate memo direct to the source. On Project XYZ you sensed there was a technical error but were not sure, so you checked with me first.

B. You initiated a complex system, re-engineering effort required in one year, from project scoping through scheduling and completion, all with little need for assistance.

C. On xx/xx/xx and xx/xx/xx, you independently met with senior manager, Rock Gibraltar, identified and discussed issues on Project XYZ, drafted plans and recommendations, and reviewed the drafts with me and others to gather additional ideas, before responding.

Your efforts are truly perceived as value-added by our customers, senior management, our team, and I.

I can assign you on any project with complete confidence. You are a project leader with sound judgment.

You will have more say regarding which projects are assigned to you. If possible, you may choose some yourself.

You are highly trusted with the customer and by the customer. Your credibility is well established. Your ideas are listened to and your recommendations are often acted upon.

You save me tremendous time. You may continue to work autonomously.

You reduce risks. You know what you don't know. Therefore, I can put you in charge of grey or risky assignments and not worry about your performance. You will ask for help when you need it.