When Team Member Screw Up

Why: Giving feedback to employees is crucial for their growth and development, as well as for the success of the business. However, it’s important to provide feedback in a way that is constructive and helps employees learn from their mistakes. This transcript outlines a four-step approach to giving feedback that ensures clarity, separation of behavior from the person, and encourages improvement.

What: The four steps to giving effective feedback are:

  1. Give it straight: Be direct and honest with the employee about their mistake or underperformance. Avoid sugarcoating or beating around the bush. Clearly state the issue and its impact on the business.
  2. Keep it short: Feedback should be concise and focused on the specific problem at hand. Avoid going off on tangents or bringing up unrelated issues. Follow the “one-minute manager” principle to deliver feedback efficiently.
  3. Separate behavior from the person: Emphasize that the employee’s behavior or action is the problem, not their character or worth as a person. Express appreciation for their positive contributions and reinforce their value to the team.
  4. Exit the conversation quickly: Once the feedback has been delivered, avoid dwelling on the issue or prolonging the conversation. Close the conversation promptly, while leaving room for further discussion or clarification if needed.

How: When giving feedback, it’s essential to be straightforward and avoid excessive niceties. Focus on the specific issue without generalizing or using negative generalizations. Instead of saying “you always do this,” provide feedback on a specific behavior and its consequences.

Separating the behavior from the person helps employees understand that their actions can be improved without attacking their character. By acknowledging their mistake and taking responsibility, employees can work towards fixing the behavior.

Exit the conversation swiftly, maintaining its brevity. Avoid dragging the discussion or dwelling on the issue. While the conversation ends, it doesn’t mean the lines of communication are closed. Employees should feel comfortable seeking clarification or discussing further if necessary.

What If: If employees consistently make excuses or fail to take responsibility for their actions, it may indicate a lack of commitment or a personality trait that is challenging to change. In such cases, it may be necessary to reevaluate their fit within the team. However, if employees acknowledge their mistakes, show remorse, and demonstrate a willingness to improve, there is room for growth and development.

Summary: Providing effective feedback to employees is crucial for their development and the success of the business. By following a four-step approach – giving it straight, keeping it short, separating behavior from the person, and exiting the conversation swiftly – managers can ensure that feedback is delivered in a constructive and impactful manner. This approach helps employees understand their mistakes, take responsibility, and work towards improving their behavior or actions. By implementing this feedback method, businesses can create a culture of growth, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Click Here To Watch The Video: https://youtu.be/o_U_AQHA0jE

Thoughtful Quotes:

  • A Perfectionist is chasing an illusion it doesn't exist in business

    quote image

    Ruble Chandy

Share via
Copy link