Jan 12
Why Managers Avoid Giving Feedback
“The future depends on what you do today.”
-Mahatma Gandhi
Every manager is responsible for providing employees with feedback about their performance – both praise and feedback for improvement. Yet too often, feedback misses the mark. It is either too vague or too late or it is not given at all.
Feedback is important. It is a powerful yet underused management skill. It builds trust in relationships, contributes to professional growth, and recognizes team members’ skills and contributions. It also clears up misunderstandings, preventing small issues from growing into larger management challenges.
Here are ten common excuses managers use to avoid giving feedback:
1. I don’t want to hurt her feelings.
2. I don’t think he can handle it.
3. Maybe this job just isn’t a good fit. She might perform better if I move her.
4. What if he gets emotional?
5. I want her to like me.
6. I let it go before so I can’t say anything now.
7. What if he gets mad and quits?
8. It doesn’t happen all the time.
9. I let it go before, so I can’t tell her now.
10. I’m sure he already knows.
All of these excuses fall into two categories: I don’t know how to start (competence), and I’m not sure I can handle the outcome (confidence). Competence is easy to develop. Follow the guidelines the book Making Feedback Work and start with giving positive feedback and work your way up to constructive feedback.
Building confidence is a bit more complex. It takes courage to give constructive feedback. Resources to build your confidence include your peers, a mentor, your HR professional or a coach.
Failing to give feedback can undermine the trust and morale of your team. This is too high a cost to pay in order to avoid some short-lived discomfort.
Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.
