1. Make your feedback specific as related to behavior.

Good:	"Henry, you have been 15 minutes late for the last three mornings.  Please explain why."
Bad:	"Henry, you are lazy and have a poor attitude towards your job."

 
2.  Consider your timing, either before the event in the form of advice, or immediately after it as positive feedback.   
 

Good:	(advice) "Sally, I'd like to review the content of your presentation with you before your speech next week so you can really do a good job in front of the group."
Bad:	(criticism) "Sally, because you've done such a poor job in the past, I need to preview the speech you plan on giving next week."
Good:	(positive) "Sally, you did an outstanding job in organizing your presentation for the meeting. The speech was well-researched and logical."
Bad:	(positive but not specific) "Sally, good speech last week. Keep up the good work!"

 

3. Give the feedback in calm and unemotional language. 
 

Good:	"Joe, I'm sure your progress will be much faster now that you are clear on how to use this new machinery."
Bad:	"Joe, isn't it about time you improved your production with this machine?"

 

4. Check to be sure clear communication has occurred. 
 

Good:	"Mary, do you know the importance of recording all my phone messages? Can you explain it to me so I know you understand?"
Bad:	"Mary, I'm sure you got it all, huh?"

 

5. Focus on behavior the receiver can do something about. 
 

Good:	"Sam, we would appreciate you keeping the team informed about the status of the project."
Bad:	"Sam, why don't you like to talk to other people?"

 
6. Use "I" statements as opposed to "you" statements to reduce defensiveness. 
 

Good:	"Tim, when you play your radio in the work area, I lose my concentration. Would you mind turning it off during regular work hours?"
Bad:	"Tim, you are so inconsiderate of other people when you leave your radio on."

 
7. Define the impact on you, the unit, the team and the company. 
 

Good:	"Sarah, when you don't get your report to me on time, I can't get my report to my boss on time. This slows up decisions about resources needed for next month."
Bad:	"Sarah, can't you ever get your reports to me on time?"

 
8. Solicit feedback rather than impose it. 
 

Good:	"Linda, did you say you would like to learn how to handle your most difficult customers more effectively? Here are some things that have worked for me..."
Bad:	"Linda, I saw the way you handled Mrs. Dawson during this crisis. It really stinks."