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tive feedback can be challenging and uncomfortable. Luckily, feedback intervention theory (FIT) offers valuable insights into effective delivery, suggesting that feedback should be specific and behavior-focused, avoiding personal critiques that may trigger defensiveness. FIT stresses the importance of aligning feedback with an employee%u2019s values and perspective to increase its receptivity and effectiveness. This alignment involves tailoring feedback to match employees%u2019 personal goals and values, thereby enhancing its relevance and ensuring it is perceived as supportive and constructive rather than punitive. It%u2019s crucial to frame negative feedback as an opportunity for growth and development to foster a forward-looking and constructive dialogue that encourages continuous improvement and learning. Our research shows that negative feedback may feel even more negative when accompanied by numbers. Managers should consider this when delivering negative feedback. Numerical ratings might be useful to highlight areas for improvement but could also unintentionally amplify criticism. The value of numbers thus depends on the message managers wish to send.Performance feedback is more than just a routine administrative task %u2014 it%u2019s a strategic tool that shapes organizational culture and employee engagement. Like many other management practices, feedback systems %u2014 whether narrative or numeric %u2014 are never flawless, even within leading organizations. However, performance management should not be neglected simply because it is not perfect. Instead, it is crucial to continually refine performancemanagement practices to assess employees%u2019 performance more holistically and make decisions that are as fair and transparent as possible. In alignment with this perspective, we support the recent trend of incorporating narrative components into employee feedback, moving away from purely numeric ratings. As organizations evolve, so too should their methods for evaluating and communicating performance. By effectively leveraging both numerical and narrative feedback, companies can ensure they are not only measuring performance accurately but also engaging and motivating their employees in meaningful ways.