Ohio University College of Business Communication Standards

5. Offer specific suggestions for improvement.
6. Summarize the conversation.
7. Plan a follow up meeting to revisit the issue in 60 to 90 days.
Clear Communication #
Offering both positive and negative feedback regularly will build employee trust and will
assist employees in being more accountable. When employees respond to negative feedback,
managers should expect one of three possible reactions: denial, justification, or
accountability. It is imperative that managers listen to employees’ reactions. Feedback is
meant to be constructive and should not overwhelm employees. A manager should
concentrate on one or two issues at a time.
In this article, Xavier gives three types of employees and explains how to effectively
communicate feedback to them. The seven-step model of feedback should be followed when
acknowledging star performers and motivating average performers. When increasing the
productivity of poor performers, the seven-step model is also required, but the levels of depth
and intensity should be modified.
Conclusion
Managers should clarify employees’ roles and responsibilities and offer both positive and
negative feedback. Employees should be offered realistic rewards for a job well done. This
will develop confidence in managers, generate loyalty to the organization, and boost
motivation and performance. Negative feedback should encourage employees to improve.
Managers should also accept feedback from the employees because feedback benefits
everyone. Overall, when employees have clearly-defined roles and responsibilities and
receive valuable feedback from managers, the organization will become more effective.
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