How do you go about handling an employee evaluation that requires you to give negative feedback?
"I once received what I felt was negative feedback on an evaluation. I have always tried to remember the way I felt and what I took away from the evaluation. With that in mind, I always like to speak with encouragement, so that the employee doesn't feel insecure. Having a negative feedback does not always mean that an employee is not a good employee. It just means that there is room for improvement. Recognizing that we all have room for improvement is helpful when trying to help an employee improve."
Receiving negative feedback is often disheartening, but it does not have to be an experience that leaves an employee feeling devalued. Being able to discuss difficult subjects with your staff and make a plan to help remedy the situation shows great leadership skills.
"I was always taught that in situations where something negative needs to be discussed, the conversation should begin with a positive and end with a positive. By that, I mean it is always good to talk about something good that the employee has done, for instance completing a job on time. Then I address whatever situation may seem to be negative. I end the conversation with another positive note, whether it's a show of appreciation for how receptive the employee is to instruction or their positive attitude toward suggestions for improvement is always helpful."
