Create a culture of encouragement and celebration

Almost all human beings work best in an environment of encouragement. It is therefore very important that you create a culture of encouragement. Criticism and honest feedback are of course essential, especially with colleagues who are not performing quite as well as they could. However, any negative feedback or constructive criticism should take place within the following parameters:

• do not communicate negative feedback in the heat of the moment
• take time to check that you have got your facts straight beyond you launch out
• never communicate negative feedback to the employee in front of other employees of a similar standing
• once you have introduced the theme of your feedback, give the employee ample opportunity to explain things from his/her angle first
• then couch your criticism in a very clear, factual structured way
• end by giving the employee an opportunity to ask any questions and with an encouraging comment about a more positive aspect of the employee’s work.

It is also best practice to offer employees regular appraisal, at least once a year. This should be done formally and with the outcome linked to professional development and, where possible and if appropriate, a pay increase. Apart from the fact that such a procedure will great benefit your company, it will also make it very attractive to other highly qualified and motivated professionals.

Links:

10 tips on empowering your staff

16 clever ways to show employee appreciation