May 27, 2016

Don’t let the length of this blog fool you! It’s short and sweet with a very powerful message.

There are three reasons why frequent, casual feedback is critical to your success as a manager:

1. It is flexible and responsive
2. Keeps you and your subordinate informed on-the-go
3. Develops a comfortable and trusting relationship

Flexible and Responsive

It seems archaic to think that you need to be scheduled, told, or reminded to have a feedback session with your subordinate or team. As an event arises that would benefit from feedback there and then, you should engage. On the plus side, getting feedback on things that are going well are very motivating. On the other hand, it means that potential errors are nipped in the bud, guidance is given, and the employee can confidently proceed again.

You and your Subordinate are informed on-the-go

Feedback can go both ways; from you to your subordinate and vice versa. Again, waiting for a 6 monthly or annual review to provide feedback, or even waiting for any scheduled session, is a wasted opportunity. Most people accept that well-timed feedback enjoys the most relevance, be it good or constructive. What’s the expression: “Strike while the iron’s hot…”

Develops a comfortable and trusting relationship

Because it is responsive, the relationship between you and your subordinate should be a positive one. While I won’t go into the mechanics of feedback delivery today, suffice to say that what should be guiding your thoughts in the conversation, is collaboration, and outcomes i.e. your inter-personal relationship with your subordinate, as well as the achievement of organisational goals.