Delivering Constructive Criticism

1 Day

Introduction

Delivering constructive criticism is one of the most challenging aspects of managing or dealing with people but unfortunately it is a necessary evil. There is an essential condition that criticism must be positive yet effective to ensure individual and business goals and objectives are achieved.

When an employee commits an action that requires feedback or criticism it needs to be handled in a very specific way.

Constructive criticism, if done correctly, will deliver great benefits to your organisation. It provides the ability for management to nullify problematic behaviours and develop well-rounded and productive employees. Constructive feedback shows an employee that management cares about them and will invest time and effort their careers.

Through this workshop you will gain invaluable knowledge and skills that will assist you with this challenging task.

Programme Objectives:

• Understand when feedback should take place
• Learn how to prepare and plan to deliver constructive criticism
• Determine the appropriate atmosphere in which it should take place
• Identify the proper steps to be taken during the session
• Know how emotions and certain actions can negatively impact the effects of the session
• Recognise the importance of setting goals and the method used to set them
• Uncover the best techniques for following up with the employee after the session

Method and Approach

This course will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This course will benefit anyone who deals with people or manages a team of people from team leaders and supervisors to senior managers. The course will be of particular benefit to HR managers who are often involved in employee reviews as part of annual reviews and goal-settings.

Course Content

Module One: Getting Started

• Introduction to the course
• Workshop Objectives

Module Two: When Should Feedback Occur?

• Repeated Events or Behavior
• Breach’s in Company Policy
• When Informal Feedback has not Worked
• Immediately After the Occurrence
• Case Study
• Module Two: Review Questions

Module Three: Preparing and Planning

• Gather Facts on the Issue
• Practice Your Tone
• Create an Action Plan
• Keep Written Records
• Case Study
• Module Three: Review Questions

Module Four: Choosing a Time and Place

• Check the Ego at the Door
• Criticize in Private, Praise in Public
• It Has to be Face to Face
• Create a Safe Atmosphere
• Case Study
• Module Four: Review Questions

Module Five: During the Session (I)

• The Feedback Sandwich
• Monitor Body Language
• Check for Understanding
• Practice Active Listening
• Case Study
• Module Five: Review Questions

Module Six: During the Session (II)

• Set Goals
• Be Collaborative
• Ask for a Self-Assessment
• Keep Emotions in Check
• Case Study
• Module Six: Review Questions

Module Seven: Setting Goals

• SMART Goals
• The Three P’s
• Ask for Their Input
• Be as Specific as Possible
• Case Study
• Module Seven: Review Questions

Module Eight: Diffusing Anger or Negative Emotions

• Choose the Correct Words
• Stay on Topic
• Empathize
• Try to Avoid “You Messages”
• Case Study
• Module Eight: Review Questions

Module Nine: What Not to Do

• Attacking or Blaming
• Not Giving Them a Chance to Speak
• Talking Down
• Becoming Emotional
• Case Study
• Module Nine: Review Questions

Module Ten: After the Session (I)

• Set a Follow-up Meeting
• Make your Self Available
• Be Very Specific with the Instructions
• Provide Support and Resources
• Case Study
• Module Ten: Review Questions

Module Eleven: After the Session (II)

• Focus on the Future
• Measuring Results
• Was the Action Plan Followed?
• If Improvement is not Seen, Then What?
• Case Study
• Module Eleven: Review Questions

Module Twelve: Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations