Employee feedback examples
Positive and constructive feedback side by side for 6 situations, so you can see how the 2 differ.
Positive feedback tells people what to keep doing. Constructive feedback tells them what to change, with a way forward. Both say what happened, what the person did and what it changed.
| Situation | Positive feedback | Constructive feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | In the client call, you explained the plan in 3 clear steps. The client agreed straight away. | In the client call, the plan took 15 minutes to explain, and the client asked twice what we were proposing. Next time, try opening with the 3 main steps. |
| Quality of work | The report had no errors and the figures matched the source. It was ready to send. | The report had 3 figures that did not match the source. Before sending, please check each number against the original. |
| Deadlines | You finished the proposal 2 days early, and it gave us time to review it. | The proposal arrived a day late, and we had no time to review. Let me know by Wednesday if a deadline is at risk, so we can adjust. |
| Teamwork | You offered to help [name] with the data, and the team finished earlier because of it. | In the meeting, you did not ask [name] for their view, and they went quiet. Next time, invite each person to speak. |
| Initiative | You spotted the confusing form and rewrote it. We now get fewer questions. | I would like to see you raise problems like the confusing form earlier. When you notice something, tell me the same day. |
| Attitude | You stayed constructive when the plan changed, and suggested how to adapt. | When the plan changed, your comments in the meeting were negative, and the team picked up on it. Next time, bring your concern to me first, with an idea. |
Rules that make both kinds work
- Describe, do not label. "The report had 3 errors" can be acted on. "You are careless" cannot.
- Give it soon. Both kinds work best within a few days of the situation.
- Say what happens next. Positive feedback says what to keep doing. Constructive feedback says what to try.
- Ask for their view. After you speak, ask the person how they saw it.
Questions
What is the difference between positive and constructive feedback?
Positive feedback names what went well so the person repeats it. Constructive feedback names what did not go well and suggests a better way.
How do you give constructive feedback?
Describe what happened, say what it changed, and suggest what to do next time. Keep to 1 point and ask for the person's view.