Giving Feedback the Right Way
At one time, the supervisor-employee relationship was one-sided. The supervisor gave all the feedback. This was typically only during an annual performance appraisal; calling this exercise useful is a stretch at best.
Today, it's common for supervisors to regularly give feedback so employees can act upon it to improve. And it's common for employees to give feedback so practices, processes, and supervisor performance can improve.
So regardless of your position in the company, you'll be giving feedback. For it to be effective, follow these tips:
- Be specific. “We have been out of a needed spare part four times of the last five I needed a spare” is better than “Spare parts is mismanaged here.”
- Use positive language. Say, “Project X would run more smoothly if we had two-way radios” not “Communication stinks on Project X.”
- Give feedback about successes, too. If the only time you give feedback is to complain, people will stop listening to you. Praise what's working well.
About the Author
Mark LamendolaMark Lamendola
Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.
Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.
Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.