How To Give Your Team Motivating Feedback

☀️ Show the way forward

When people aren’t performing, it’s often because expectations aren’t clear. They need to be able to see their next step, and feel confident that they’re doing a good job.

Executive Coach Matt Mochary has a clear framework for giving feedback to reassure your team about what they’re doing right, and exactly what they can improve.

🚀 Set expectations

Schedule a 1:1 when you’ll both have time and space to talk productively. Use sync comms so that you can pick up on nonverbal cues.

Where exactly do you want to see improvement? Write it down to clarify your thoughts. This will help you say everything you need to say, as kindly as possible.

⚖️ How does their work measure up?

In the 1:1, give them three types of motivating feedback:

🏆 This is how you’re doing, and what you did well

📊 This is the expectation, the reasonable goals you can achieve

🌱 This is what could be improved, your opportunities for growth and why it matters

👂 Allow time for their response

Then, ask about their perspective. Make sure they understand, and listen to their concerns. You can go over the new plan together, step by step. Be firm about what you need, but flexible about their method of doing it.

Leave the door open for future questions. Let them know they can ask you for guidance, and make sure you respond.

📆 Follow up

In 1-2 weeks, schedule a 1:1 to check in, and go over the expectations. How are they doing? Do they need more direction or support?

Use the same structure and make sure to let them know what they’ve done well!