Common Errors Managers Commit in Delivering Constructive Criticism

HBR
HBR
12M ago
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The article highlights five frequent mistakes managers make when providing negative feedback to their employees. These mistakes can hinder effective communication and impact employee performance negatively. The focus is on how managers can improve their feedback techniques to foster a more positive and productive work environment.
Common Errors Managers Commit in Delivering Constructive Criticism
A What happened
The article highlights five frequent mistakes managers make when providing negative feedback to their employees. These mistakes can hinder effective communication and impact employee performance negatively. The focus is on how managers can improve their feedback techniques to foster a more positive and productive work environment.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Mistake 1: Being Too Vague: Managers often fail to provide specific examples when giving negative feedback, which can leave employees confused about what exactly needs improvement.

  • 2

    Mistake 2: Overemphasizing the Negative: Focusing solely on negative aspects without acknowledging positives can demoralize employees and reduce their motivation.

  • 3

    Mistake 3: Not Allowing for Dialogue: Managers sometimes deliver feedback in a one-way manner, not allowing employees to discuss or provide their perspective, which can lead to misunderstandings.

  • 4

    Mistake 4: Poor Timing: Providing feedback at inappropriate times can catch employees off guard and make them less receptive to the message.

  • 5

    Mistake 5: Ignoring Individual Differences: Failing to tailor feedback to the individual’s personality and working style can lead to ineffective communication.

Read the full article on HBR