How often do we ask for or give feedback at work? Outside of regular (mid-) and yearly reviews, it’s easy to overlook this crucial practice. I didn’t fully appreciate its importance until my training with McKinsey, where they shared the value of giving regular, on-the-spot feedback using the OEPS model, which we’ll explore later.
Why Positive Feedback Matters
Positive feedback doesn’t cost anything and has a high impact when done the right way. Despite this, 58% of employees in one study said leaders could improve engagement by giving more recognition.
Positive feedback isn’t just for performance reviews. Studies show it works best when given immediately, regularly, and consistently. A few kind words can make the difference between feeling valued and getting fed-up, sometimes even leading to job searches. That’s why cultivating a culture of recognition is so important.
The Importance of Positive Feedback
You can’t buy better job satisfaction. While reward budgets are nice, positive feedback costs just a few seconds of time and really works. A Gallup survey found that 67% of employees whose managers give positive feedback are fully engaged in their work.
Gallup also found the most meaningful recognition comes from an employee’s direct manager, followed by senior leaders or the CEO. Honest, authentic, and personalized feedback is key.
Positive feedback benefits everyone. The recipient feels appreciated and motivated, the giver feels good for making someone happy, and the organization enjoys a more engaged team.
Building Better Relationships Through Feedback
Want to feel better at work? Create better relationships at work by giving powerful positive feedback. It not only makes others feel good but also makes you feel great. It’s simple and can change everything.
Become a positive feedback giver, a beauty seeker, and you’ll see more beauty around you! Kindness is everywhere; we just need to open our eyes, minds, and hearts. People will appreciate your words, and you’ll focus on positivity.
How to Get Started with Positive Feedback
- Appreciate Work: Hello Manon, I loved your work on the XYZ project. Your ideas were fantastic!
- Compliment Appearance: Wow, you look amazing today! Love those colors on you.
- Express Enjoyment: I love working with you and look forward to our time together.
- Positive Attitude: I’m so happy to work on this project with such great people!
- Recognize Effort: The care and detail you put into your work are astounding. Thank you!
Ready to Go Further? Let’s Explore the OEPS Feedback Model
The OEPS feedback model is great for giving immediate feedback after seeing someone do something. Remember, not all feedback has to be negative; in this article, we focus on positive feedback. Always ask if it’s okay to give feedback to someone.
The OEPS Framework:
- Observe: “I observed that you did X.” Be specific and focus on the action, not the person’s character. Keep it to one observation at a time.
- Effect: “The effect on me was Y.” Focus on how the action made you feel.
- Pause: Let the person respond while you stay silent. This, staying silent, might take some practice.
- Suggest: “I suggest that in the future, you do Z.” Make it concrete and actionable.
Example
- Observe: I observed that you created an incredibly detailed and comprehensive report for the XYZ project.
- Effect: The effect on me was that it made my job easier and helped our team understand the project better. It also showcased our department’s professionalism to the client.
- Pause: [Let the person reflect on what you just said and respond. Just listen to their response without interrupting or going into defense mode.]
- Suggest: In the future, I suggest you continue this level of detail and thoroughness in your reports. It really makes a difference! Thank again for the effort you put in.
Receiving Feedback Graciously
When you start giving feedback, be prepared to receive some in return. Receiving feedback is an essential part of personal and professional growth. Learning how to receive it graciously shows your commitment to continuous improvement, enhances your listening skills, and builds stronger relationships.
How to Receive Feedback
- Be Receptive to Constructive Feedback 🧠
- Take Time to Process the Feedback ⏳
- Be Willing to Grow 🌱
- Own Your Mistakes and Move Forward 🏃♂️
- Be Thankful for the Feedback 🙏
Final Thoughts
Positive feedback is a powerful tool that can transform your workplace and relationships. Try it out it’s a fun game to play and see how your relationships transform. Please share your experiences.
Become a positive feedback advocate and share this with others! 🌟
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