According to a recent survey, people working from home report getting twice as much corrective feedback as positive feedback. In her May 4 “Coronavirus Curveball Tip of the Week” video, Bobbie LaPorte explains why it’s so important for leaders to provide balanced feedback.
Transcript of Coronavirus Curveball Tip of the Week: Tips on Offering Balanced Feedback
Hi everyone, Bobbie LaPorte here again with this week’s Coronavirus Curveball tip of the week. Since the SIP has been extended through the end of May for many of us..the uncertainty and accompanying anxiety will likely create will be an ongoing challenge for leaders to keep their teams focused.
This week I wanted to share the results of a recent survey that I believe will be helpful to you in managing through extended SIP. A national HR organization surveyed thousands of employees who were WFH during the Covid pandemic. One of the more concerning results was that employees are receiving 2 times as much corrective feedback as affirmative feedback.
With the stressful environment we are operating in, this is not completely surprising. As I shared in last week’s tip, when we are facing ambiguity and uncertainty our brains default to the negative. It naturally takes more effort to say something positive – and if you add the “distance bias”, which means we are not really sure what people are doing..it sets the stage for possible unnecessary oversight and criticism.
So here are some tips to be sure you are offering balanced feedback:
- Before you give corrective feedback, think about the last time you offered positive feedback; try to aim for at least a 1:1 ratio of corrective to affirmative with your team members
- Make it a goal to provide positive, affirmative feedback at least once a day
We’ve previously covered the benefits of arousing positive emotions – like gratitude and appreciation – in others, because it activates the part of our brain responsible for problem-solving, decision-making and creativity. So as leaders, let’s make an effort to acknowledge what people are contributing and doing well whenever possible during these times.
That’s my message for this week. I’ll see you again next Monday. In the meantime, remember that leadership makes the greatest difference when the world around us is uncertain. Take care of yourself!