The power of feedback

it is taken as a way to improve or continue to improve individual performance - and that is where skills-training needs to be available if it is not a skill that the manager naturally possess.

If you don't have this skill, then it is advisable to learn how to develop or acquire it. It could be via a training or coaching programme so that giving constructive feedback becomes a natural and integral part of your management skill-set.

Don't delay: Don't wait for that special moment to give a word of approval. Do it now while it is in your mind.

Make it public: Constructive feedback should be given privately but positive feedback can be said in public.

Be specific: Focus on exactly what was done right. ' Well done!' is fine but 'well done on finishing that report on time!' is even better.

Ultimately, you need to be sincere because it is not just what you say but how you say it. It is not a time for saying something for the sake of it. You are not just filling a space. When there is an opportunity, give a word of encouragement!

And don't forget you can use this skill at home. When was the last time you complimented your wife, or husband, or child on how nice they looked, or how well they spoke or what a good job they had done?

Positive feedback goes a long way to growing and reinforcing any relationship and like smiling, it's not difficult and costs nothing!

We all know it is easy to 'catch someone out when they do something wrong' but what about ' catching someone out when they do something right!'