When you want to help someone grow from an experience, a vague statement like “good job” isn’t overly helpful. Vague comments might leave them feeling good, but it will be challenging for them to find ways to continue improving.

There is no prescription for effective feedback. Despite this, I follow a few simple steps to help ensure my feedback is effective:

Align on context. Explaining what you observed without judgement, assumptions or interpretation.

Explain the impact of their actions. It might be an emotional impact or a result that you observed.

Stay. Whether giving positive or negative feedback, provide them with the opportunity to explore the feedback with you. This often missed step will help them understand how they might grow as a result of your feedback.

Feedback is a gift. Just make sure it’s something they can use.

You’ve got this.