Imagine this.

Your team has just completed an important project. They poured their heart and soul into it. You observe their jubilation and respond with "Great job!!" 

You may ask, "What's wrong with that?" 

Though well-intentioned, vague or exaggerated compliments, feel good in the moment, but don't add substantial value.

Over time, empty praise can inadvertently discourage growth and development. It can create a false sense of accomplishment without offering any direction for improvement. And this can lead to complacency. 

Does that mean one should never give praise?

Absolutely not. (Perhaps you've read The One Minute Manager.)

Well delivered praise can generate a surge of positive energy.

But don't stop there.

Praise followed by Positive Feedback will fuel personal and professional growth. 

Positive Feedback provides specific acknowledgment of accomplishments, efforts and skills.

It highlights the strengths and contributions of individuals and teams, and offers constructive insights and actionable suggestions for improvement.

The Challenge
Empty praise is like junk food. It's quick, easy and tastes good, but has little nutritional value.

Positive feedback requires more time than empty praise.

Positive feedback requires you to slow down and reflect.

Positive feedback, to be effective, requires you to add precision to your communication.  

The Remedy
To effectively deliver Positive Feedback:

Be specific.
Highlight the specific actions, qualities and efforts that led to a positive outcome. 

Be timely.
Deliver feedback in a timely manner.
This reinforces positive behaviors and achievements.
On the spot. Or follow up within a day or two.

Be authentic.
Ensure that your feedback is genuine and heartfelt.
Positive feedback comes from a compassionate, positive mindset.

Be constructive.
Provide constructive insights and actionable guidance to help further develop skills and abilities.

Bonus:
Ask your team members what they think they did well.
Their insight will be enlightening.

The Truth
Praise and Positive Feedback are the two step dance that aim to inspire and motivate while providing guidance for future development and, ultimately, improved outcomes.

_______________________

Passionate Leadership
is who you're being as you're leading.

About the Author

Gayle Ely is a Leadership Coach, Trainer and Facilitator and founder of Total Life Leadership. At Total Life Leadership, we partner with purpose-driven non-profit leaders and service entrepreneurs to help them answer the question “How Do I Become a Better Leader?”

Using The Six Pillars of Passionate Leadership, we equip leaders to be the best they can be.  The result is a passionate leader whose team and organization are operating for maximum impact.

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