In previous discussions, I’ve emphasised the amazing power of positive feedback and its universal benefits across all roles. However, it’s disconcerting to note that a significant portion of team members receive minimal to no positive recognition, as revealed by Gallup research, where less than a third of employees strongly agree that their company acknowledges team achievements.
Fortunately, reversing these statistics is not a massive task. The key lies in actively observing and acknowledging individuals and teams for their accomplishments. The secret sauce? Spot the positive actions and promptly communicate them! Regular positive feedback conveys to team members that their contributions are valued, fostering a sense of connection with the organisation. It’s a simple truth—people thrive on positive feedback.
Positive feedback can transform sporadic good behaviour into a consistent pattern. The trick is to wait until a team member displays the desired behaviour, then provide specific details about what they did right—a practice we refer to as being specific. This approach significantly increases the likelihood of the team member repeating the positive behaviour consistently.
Here are four invaluable tips to ensure positive feedback becomes a cornerstone of your leadership culture:
1. Continuity and Spontaneity: Timeliness is key. Positive feedback loses its impact if delayed, so offer it immediately after witnessing the desired behaviour. Consistency is crucial; it should be an ongoing practice rather than a sporadic effort.
2. Be Specific: Stick to the facts. Clearly articulate what the team member did right, eliminating ambiguity and ensuring they fully understand the feedback without any guesswork.
3. Brevity is Effective: Keep positive feedback concise, ideally within 7 to 10 seconds. This ensures maximum impact and prevents it from sounding insincere or losing its effectiveness.
4. Public Acknowledgment: Whenever possible, provide positive feedback in a public setting. Public recognition not only reinforces the acknowledged team member but also communicates the organisation’s values to others. This ripple effect can inspire and motivate the entire team.
Incorporating these practices will not only make positive feedback a potent tool in your leadership arsenal but also contribute to creating a culture where recognition is embedded in the fabric of daily operations.
Roger Simpson – CEO, The Retail Solution and Author of “The Ultimate Retail Sales Experience” With over 35 years’ industry experience, Roger Simpson is recognized as Australia’s #1 Authority on customer ROI in the retail industry and as a global expert on staff coaching, customer service, and selling skills.
