How to Offer Feedback in an Office Obsessed With Being Positive
June 1, 2016
By Brian Maynor
Over the past several years employers have been focused on creating positive work environments that they started requiring employees to maintain them in their handbooks, but recently that requirement essentially be ‘happy at work’ was challenged and defeated by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, ruling employers cannot force you to be happy.
While the idea behind fostering a positive work environment is noble, i.e. that it creates a more successful office by increasing positive emotions and well-being, there has to be a forum and procedure for feedback and employees to voice and address issues, concerns and frankly, being unhappy at work.
Fortunately there is a way to offer critiques and reviews in a supportive way that doesn’t skirt the real issues, plus it’s way more effective because it motivates performance, is less likely to be misinterpreted and uplifts rather than demoralizes employees. Here’s how to do it according to field studies:
1. Offer more positives than negatives. Our brains naturally focus more on the bad comments than the positive ones, so the general rule of thumb is that you need to offer at least five times more positive statements as negative ones. In order to do this, it’s important to understand what constitutes positive and negative statements. Positive statements are those that are supportive, appreciative and encouraging, while negative statements are critical, disapproving or contradictory. Even though bad is stronger than good, the positive comments are what motivate change and engagement and the ultimate way to amend an employee’s performance.
2. Highlight strengths, unique skills and contributions. Reviews tend to always focus on improvement, which by nature means things you are doing wrong or poorly, while strengths, unique skills and contributions are often glossed over and marginalized. Spend as much time and be as specific with the positives are you are with the negatives, and you will foster excellence in your employees rather than competence.
3. Stay objective. When it comes to discussing negative elements, it’s important to maintain objectivity and simply describe the event, identify objective consequences and suggest acceptable alternatives. Too often the discussion veers towards blame, emotions and fault.
No one wants to work in a negative, stressful environment every day, but that doesn’t mean employers can or should try to force employees to be happy or constantly dance around performance issues. Positive environments should be able to coexist with negative events, evaluations and conversations, because after all positive and happy are two very different things.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
