Often times we as leaders are reluctant to give our staff negative feedback. We're concerned how it will impact their motivation and self-esteem. We worry about how it will effect our working relationship.New research from Stacey Finkelstein (Columbia University) and Ayelet Fishbach (University of Chicago) highlights, however, the importance of both positive and negative feedback.
According to their research, positive feedback impacts employee's commitment. So it's important to motivation and confidence. Giving positive feedback let's staff know they are valued.
Negative feedback on the other hand is what the researchers call informative. It helps staff members learn what to do and what not to do. It helps shape their understanding of your expectations. It gives them clues as to how to successfully accomplish what's being asked of them.
With these two distinctly different functions, this research makes the case that we as leaders need to provide both positive and negative feedback. One helps motivate while the other helps teach.