4. Positive Feedback - Provide positive feedback on behaviors that lead towards the goal
What is positive feedback?
Positive feedback is encouragement to keep doing something. It can come from colleagues telling you to continue a helpful behavior—or from an enjoyable task that motivates you to keep going. A meta-analysis by Andressa A. Sleiman and colleagues shows that feedback works best when it is:
Positive feedback is encouragement to keep doing something. It can come from colleagues telling you to continue a helpful behavior—or from an enjoyable task that motivates you to keep going. A meta-analysis by Andressa A. Sleiman and colleagues shows that feedback works best when it is:
- Positive (reinforcing what to do more of)
- Specific (focused on observable behaviors)
- Immediate (given right after the action)
Why is positive feedback helpful?
It boosts morale, increases retention, and improves performance. Goal-setting becomes even more effective when combined with feedback.
Tips for positive feedback exercises:
Giving and receiving positive feedback isn’t always easy. Start with exercises that lower the threshold, like reflecting on what’s gone well or observing helpful behaviors. These exercises make it easier to give meaningful feedback over time.
You’ll know you’re doing well with principle 4 when…
You’re aware of each other’s work and regularly give helpful feedback. A sign of progress is when you can answer, “What was good about it?” when someone says, “Nice job.”