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How to give constructive feedback

As a Manager or Leader, it is often the case that we need to offer constructive feedback to aid and assist our team members to improve their performance and their output. This is never an easy task, not least because people can react to feedback in very different ways, but employees need to understand where they have gone wrong , and most importantly how they can improve.

Here are five steps to providing clear and constructive feedback:

Plan – have a clear idea of what topic(s) you need to discuss, exactly what you want to say, and most importantly of all, how you are going to say it. Make sure that you leave scope for discussion. The key is to be flexible, whilst still getting your points across. Always make sure that you give feedback whilst it is still fresh in your mind, and always make sure that you give feedback in private.

Praise – Focus on the positives first. Help the person to feel valued and a worthwhile part of the team, even though you are about to offer some feedback on what they can improve on. Feedback should not just be about negative things.

Clear constructive feedback – be clear. Be concise. You will need to tailor your approach according to the person you are speaking to. Some will prefer you to be blunt and to the point – some will prefer you to be more gentle. As a Leader or Manager, it is up to you to know your staff well enough to understand which people will require which approach. Specific details are infinitely preferable and easier to approach.

Praise again – move the focus towards solutions. Build the employee back up again by giving them the confidence that they can solve any situations that have arisen, and by showing them that they have your support to do this.

Follow up – always agree the actions that are required as a result of the meeting, and schedule another meeting with the employee to follow up on how things have gone as a result of the feedback. This is your opportunity to be able to hopefully praise the employee on how well they have handled the situation, and on the changes that have been made since the discussion.


Whatever your role, whether you have leadership responsibility or not, giving feedback to others effectively is a valuable skill, and the hints and tips provided above will enable you to give feedback in a more confident and effective manner.