Making Feedback Work: The Key to Building Effective Teams

Every manager is responsible for providing employees with feedback about their performance - both praise and suggestions for improvement. Yet too often, feedback misses the mark. It is either too vague or too late or it is not given at all. Feedback is important. It is a powerful yet underused management skill. It builds trust in relationships, contributes to professional growth, and recognizes team members’ skills and contributions. Too often managers avoid giving feedback because they are either unskilled, uncomfortable or don’t want to hurt someone else’s feelings. Avoiding potential confrontations just makes matters worse. And by failing to recognize your team’s contributions, you run the risk of contributing to their disengagement. This quick reference guide is a tool to help you build more effective teams with feedback. Each chapter includes real-world examples, topical tutorials, a checklist for success and questions to help you make this material real and relevant.

As an Executive and Personal Development Coach, Elaine works with both organizational leaders and individuals. During her 35-year corporate career, Elaine held senior leadership roles in the technology and marketing industries and has worked for IBM, BT, Perot Systems, WPP and Millward Brown. She has extensive experience in sales, general management and human resources. Elaine also served as Interim Executive Director for Harmony Hill, a non-profit cancer retreat center after the 25-year founder stepped down. Elaine had served on the Board of Directors for eight years and assumed the leadership role during this important transition. (www.harmonyhill.org) Elaine is a Results Coach for Robbins Research International. She also owns Executive Development Coaching and Consulting (www.coachelaine.com). She lives in Union, Washington with her three cats and is currently training for her 21st marathon. Fourteen of Elaine's 20 marathons have raised money for cancer retreat scholarships at Harmony Hill. As a result, anyone with cancer and their caregiver can attend cancer retreats at no cost. She plans to complete a marathon in each of the 50 States, continuing her support for Harmony Hill.