As a manager, there are times when you need to give guidance to your employees. Doing this can be difficult, especially if what you need to tell them may come over as being critical of the work they’re doing.
You’ve no doubt heard of constructive criticism, but what it is and how can you give it?
Put simply, constructive criticism isn’t harsh words you say around the modern boardroom tables in front of everyone, it’s a one to one chat you have with an employee, as a manager. It is a chance to give feedback on a particular aspect of their work, and help give them guidance on how to improve. Constructive criticism is, as the name suggests, constructive and designed to help them learn.
Check out this video for a few pointers on how to give the best constructive criticism.
It’s best to do this in private, e.g. using booths or somewhere quiet, and to highlight positive points too. Giving this balance between positive and negative will help your employee understand that you’re not “getting at them”, but you’re actually helping to guide them.
How do you give constructive criticism?