It really does pay to give employees a pat on the back: The dos and don’ts of effective feedback

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present tips for leaders on receiving and giving feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

Various types of feedback and the difference between feedback and criticism have been described.

Findings

It has been emphasized that leaders need to view feedback as a developmental tool. Its importance in achieving leadership excellence also has been stressed.

Practical implications

This paper argues that feedback helps employees to recognize their blind spots, correct themselves and perform better. It also serves as an employee retention tool. People crave feedback, especially positive feedback. But the feedback givers must know the art of giving feedback so that they are respected for it.

Social implications

This paper advances the view that people excel through improvement and can improve through feedback.

Originality/value

This paper describes how to use feedback as a tool to develop future leaders.

Citation

Rao, M.S. (2014), "It really does pay to give employees a pat on the back: The dos and don’ts of effective feedback", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 40-43. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-07-2014-0088