Give Feedback to Employees to Retain Them

Source: Accounting Office Management & Administration Report

Give your employees ongoing assessments (don’t wait for scheduled performance evaluations) using the following suggestions:

• When staff gives you permission to critique them, they are more receptive.
• If the critique is negative, don’t dwell on it. Shift gears to a positive assessment of what can happen in the future.
• Avoid generalizations. Be explicit and use examples. Be sympathetic to their ideas for change.
• Don’t conduct unilateral sessions. Solicit the employee’s feedback and listen carefully.
• Offer praise when it’s sincere. But even if there has been no praiseworthy performance, acknowledge the value of their efforts.
• Invigorate employees by expressing sincere optimism about their future plans.

From Accounting Office Management & Administration Report, April 2007, p. 1. For subscription information contact Institute of Management & Administration, Inc., 3 Park Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10016-5902. One-year subscription $399. 212-244-0360, [email protected].