Feedback and recognition are essential for motivating and engaging your team members, but they can lose their impact if they become stale or repetitive. How do you keep feedback and recognition fresh and meaningful for your team? Here are some tips to help you.
When you give feedback or recognition, be specific about what the person did well, how it contributed to the team's goals, and what you appreciate about their work. Don't wait too long to share your feedback or recognition, as it may lose its relevance or value. Aim to give feedback or recognition as soon as possible after the action or achievement, or at least within the same week.
Feedback and recognition can be delivered in different ways, such as face-to-face, email, phone, video call, chat, or online platform. You can also use different formats, such as verbal, written, visual, or audio. Depending on the situation and the preference of the person, you can choose the most appropriate and effective format and channel for your feedback or recognition. For example, you can use a video call to give feedback on a complex project, an email to recognize a quick win, or a chat message to celebrate a milestone.
Not everyone responds to feedback and recognition in the same way. Some people may prefer public recognition, while others may appreciate a private note. Some people may value constructive feedback, while others may need more encouragement. Some people may like tangible rewards, while others may prefer intangible benefits. To keep feedback and recognition fresh and meaningful, you need to tailor them to the person's personality, preferences, and needs. You can ask your team members how they like to receive feedback and recognition, or observe their reactions and behaviors.
The sandwich method is a technique to give feedback that balances positive and negative aspects. The idea is to start with a positive comment, then give a constructive criticism, and then end with another positive comment. This way, you can acknowledge the person's strengths, address their areas of improvement, and reinforce their confidence and motivation. The sandwich method can help you keep feedback and recognition fresh and effective, as it avoids focusing on only one aspect of the person's performance.
Feedback and recognition don't have to come only from you as the team leader. You can also encourage your team members to give feedback and recognition to each other. Peer feedback and recognition can foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and appreciation among your team. It can also provide different perspectives and insights that you may not have. You can facilitate peer feedback and recognition by creating opportunities for your team to share their work, feedback, and appreciation, such as regular meetings, online forums, or recognition programs.