How is a High-Performance Automobile Like a Superstar Employee?

How is a high-performance automobile like a superstar employee?

Both function best when given regular “tune-ups.”

While we don’t suggest using socket wrenches to conduct performance appraisals, regular constructive feedback is a great tool to keep your employees on-track and operating at peak efficiency. 

In an Inc.com article, Nancy Mobley writes that employee feedback “should be given as frequently as possible; both formally through the annual performance review forms and ensuing discussions, but also informally through ongoing conversations and coaching.”

As a manager, you have a golden opportunity to motivate your staff if you provide regular, specific praise for their hard work.  Using the same logic, you are doing your employees a disservice if you wait six months to discuss an aspect of their performance that is seriously lacking. 

So keep your employees on track, don’t wait for annual performance reviews to tell them how they’re doing!  Use these tips from PrideStaff to provide the frequent, immediate feedback employees need:

Be straightforward.  Honesty is critical, especially with corrective feedback. Don’t beat around the bush and minimize your praise or criticism, or exaggerate your feedback.

Be timely.  Nip issues in the bud and avoid messy interpersonal tangles that result from neglected communication.  Give feedback as soon as it’s possible or practical, preferably right after the behavior is exhibited.  The only exception to this is when emotions are heated and you or your employee need time to “cool off” in order to communicate more effectively.

Be specific.  While it’s not easy to provide negative feedback, it’s important to be as clear as possible by giving specific examples that illustrate your point.  Instead of saying, “Your attitude is bad,” say, “When you miss deadlines, then cross your arms and look away when I discuss it with you, it gives me the impression that you don’t care about the quality of your work.  Can you help me understand this?”

Be consistent.  Make employee feedback a habit by integrating it into your regular management activities.  Schedule brief, weekly meetings to discuss what employees are doing right and what they can improve.  Meeting regularly with employees to give feedback sends a clear message: “Your success is important to me, so I want to be accessible to you.”

Providing regular employee feedback is one great way to improve performance in your organization; working with PrideStaff is another!  As a leading national staffing agency, we have the resources and expertise to help you manage workflow peaks, capitalize on new opportunities and recruit the superstars you need to thrive.  Contact your local PrideStaff office today to learn more.