We know that the hustle and bustle of everyday life leaves little time to stop and think about all the good things our employees do and recognize them. Busy between meetings and emails to answer, we assume that our team already feels appreciated and we don’t make it a point to do so explicitly. However, it’s crucial to learn what feedback is and take the time to give positive feedback and recognition. But it has to be done well.
Don’t get overwhelmed! Here is the definitive guide so that you don’t miss a single thing. From what is positive feedback, how to give positive feedback, 35 positive feedback examples and how to respond to positive feedback. You’ll have more than enough to get you started!
What is Positive Feedback?
Positive feedback is a type of feedback that focuses on the strengths, talents and achievements of employees. Giving positive feedback is the best way to recognize aspects such as effort, good attitude or great leadership. In short, anything that makes the team see that you value the fact that they are doing a good job is worth acknowledging with positive feedback messages.
You should know that there are 9 different types of feedback that are useful depending on the context or needs of the moment. Here are just a few examples that you shouldn’t confuse with positive feedback.
- Constructive feedback: aims to give advice to employees, collaborators or colleagues to help them improve or correct some behaviour.
- Negative feedback: its main focus is on areas for improvement and the mistakes made, exposed in some way by poor performance on the part of the collaborator.
What is a Positive Feedback loop?
When used effectively, positive feedback can create a cycle of continuous improvement and growth. Tha is called “a positive feedback loop”.
By recognizing and celebrating employees’ achievements, leaders can inspire them to continue striving for excellence. But they also encourage them to recognize the accomplishments of their peers, which leads to creating a positive feedback loop. When employees feel comfortable giving and receiving positive feedback, it means they have adopted it as a habit. This adoption brings enormous benefits to employees and to the company itself, as it improves the work environment and positively impacts the employee experience.
Positive feedback loops are a powerful tool for motivating and inspiring employees. By acknowledging the strengths and achievements of employees, leaders can create a culture of positivity and continuous improvement through feedback.
Benefits of Positive Feedback
Creating the habit of giving positive feedback has great benefits at all levels:
- On employees: feeling valued makes their job satisfaction rise, which leads to an increase in the commitment they feel towards their company and their work. It also raises the self-esteem and motivation levels of employees.
- In the company: this increased commitment leads to a better alignment of the employee with the company’s interests. This alignment leads to a natural increase in effort and to employees putting all their efforts into achieving their individual goals and those of the company as a whole.
- Both: the good working atmosphere generated by positive feedback loops is a pillar of the company’s culture and strengthens the company’s values.
How to give Positive Feedback
It’s common for employees and team leaders alike to be unclear about how to give positive feedback. To give quality positive feedback and get the best results, follow the step-by-step below – you can’t go wrong! We also recommend to follow the SBI Feedback model to structure your feedback.
- Identify the positive behavior.
- Be specific.
- Choose the right moment.
- Dose it over time.
- Demonstrate the positive impact.
- Facilitate development opportunities.
1. Identify the positive behavior
The first thing to do is to identify the positive behavior we want to highlight. To do this, we must be attentive to what our employees do, without resorting to micromanaging, in order to recognize those moments. It can range from completing a task on time to working effectively as a team.
2. Be specific
Once we’ve identified the positive behavior we want to highlight, it’s important to be specific when giving feedback. We shouldn’t just say “good job,” but explain why what our employee or co-worker did was good. In this way, we give them a better understanding of the value of their work and how they can continue to improve.
3. Choose the right moment
Choosing the right time to give positive feedback is just as important as the content of the feedback itself. By finding the right moment, the message will generate the greatest possible impact. Giving positive feedback has a lot of value, so be sure to find the right time to make the right impact. A busy or stressed moment may not be the right time to give positive feedback.
4. Dose it over time
In contrast to negative feedback, giving positive feedback can be dosed over time. This way you can prolong the team’s motivation. Or even find moments when they’re in a slump and use it to lift their spirits. In any case always keep in mind the relevance, although it’s always good to receive positive feedback, try to link them to the most recent events that you can.
5. Demonstrate the positive feedback
Another important aspect of positive feedback is to demonstrate the positive impact the employee’s behavior has had on the team or the company in general. In short, make it clear why you are giving this feedback, what value you have seen that makes the employee worthy of it. If we do not make the value clear, the positive feedback will no longer be relevant.
6. Facilitate development opportunities
If the content of the positive feedback you’re going to share with your employee or colleague allows it, give visibility on how the story might continue. If it’s within your power, offer development opportunities to continue to reinforce what they do so well. If not, you can give them advice or recommendations to leave it up to them. the leader can encourage the employee’s professional growth and motivation.
35 Positive Feedback Examples
1. Doing great work
Recognize your employees when they do exceptionally nice work. This will motivate them to continue improving their skills and their craft!
“Your work the past few weeks has been amazing! You really care about your work and you seem to really take the time to do it the best you can. I love that you went out of your way to ask the client what their preferences were. I’m excited to see your development in this job and the company!”
2. Going the extra mile
Employees going the extra mile on a project or their work really shows dedication to their team and company.
“I just wanted to highlight the hard work you’ve put into this project. You’ve really gone the extra mile to do your research and make sure your colleagues were aligned. It shows great leadership skills and I’m sure this attitude will take you far in your career.”
3. Finishing a difficult task
A clear positive feedback example is when your employee finishes a difficult task. Show how proud you are that they pulled through and delivered great results.
“I wanted to congratulate you on your determination to finish this project. It was hard, and you had to put in a lot of effort and time. However, you still did it with a smile. I know your colleagues are proud of you, and I am too. Your attitude really shows you can continue to take on challenges and grow with us.”
4. Reaching their employee goals
We’re sure your employee feels really happy about reaching that one specific goal. Some nice words will reinforce that sense of accomplishment.
“I’ve noticed you’ve been meeting all your goals the past few weeks! This sets a really great example for the rest of the team. Your time-management skills and ability to understand your limits while also going the extra mile show me that you will be a great asset to our team for a long time!”
5. Being proactive
Putting yourself out there and being proactive in the workplace can be hard! Show your team the benefits of their actions with some positive feedback.
“Thank you for jumping in and getting started on this project ahead of schedule. We are tight right now and your work has really made a difference. If we get this project done on time, it’s really thanks to you! Keep up the great work.”
6. Bringing new ideas
Another positive feedback example could be your employee bringing great, useful ideas to the project. Motivate them to keep sharing their thoughts!
“I just wanted to congratulate you on your great idea this morning. It will really change the way this project is led and make it 10 times better! This really shows you really care about the project and you’ve taken the time to think about it before our meeting.”
7. Improving their stats
Increasing one’s stats is a difficult task, and something your employee worked hard towards. Let them know how well they did and encourage them to continue growing with you.
“When we talked last month, you were really unsure about your stats. However, I can see that they’ve really turned around in the past weeks. I’m really impressed with your growth and I hope you can see it too. Please let me know if I can do anything to help you continue to succeed!”
8. Demonstrating focus
Another great positive feedback example is your employee sticking to a project and showing their dedication. Give them some recognition and motivate them to continue working so hard.
“I’m really proud of you for sticking with this project for so long. I know you had to do a lot of research to get it approved, but I’m glad you did. Now the entire company is involved! I think you really showed how passionate you are about our product and the company, and I know the whole team appreciates it.”
9. Solving an issue
Resolving a company issue likely saved your organization a lot of trouble and money.
“We really appreciate your response in resolving this issue so quickly. Your ability to take risks and make quick decisions really saved us from a major crisis. I’m really grateful to have you in the team!”
10. Overcoming a challenge
Overcoming a challenge was probably really hard for your employee.
“You’ve done such an amazing job at mastering this skill with such short notice before our meeting. I admire that you put in great effort in prioritizing your upskilling over everything else. It was really useful and it really helped us in our project. Please let me know if I can help you continue your development!”
11. Learning from a past mistake
Receiving negative feedback must have been hard for your employee. Recognizing how well they did by learning from this mistake motivates them and shows how your feedback is only there to help them grow.
“I know it was hard when your project got rejected, but the new one you presented today really shows you listened to the notes we gave you. I’m amazed that you managed to take our feedback and create a solution that everyone loves now.”
12. Striving to develop their skills
When hiring someone, you want them to develop their skills with you. Provide them with a sense of accomplishment as a positive feedback example!
“I’m really impressed with your willingness to learn and improve your skills! Your disposition to take in new projects and receive feedback lets me know you’re going to grow fast in our company. I can see your career going far!”
13. Learning a new skill
Congratulating your employee for learning a new skill keeps them motivated to continue learning and growing their skillset!
“I noticed you learned how to restructure the systems for your project and it really helped speed up the process. It wasn’t your job, but I really appreciate the initiative you took. You’re a great learner!”
14. Showing great development
It’s hard to notice someone’s development when you see it everyday. Stop and reflect on your employee’s development and recognize how far they’ve come.
“You’ve really come a long way since you joined us! I can see all the effort you put into developing your skills and making the most of your training. You’ve really impressed me. I can’t wait to see all the things you’ll achieve!”
15. Starting the new job on the right foot
Starting a new role can be very scary. Congratulate your employee for putting themselves out there and doing so well with all the new information.
“I hope you’re settling in nicely at the new role. I’m happy to say everyone has been speaking nicely of you and believe you’re a great addition to the team! Congratulations on being so willing and energetic to learn new things despite all the information! I hope you continue to bring such a positive attitude everyday.”
16. Delighting a customer
Receiving nice reviews from customers is a good positive feedback example! Show them how happy their clients are, and they will surely feel motivated to continue providing great service.
“I just received this incredibly positive review from the customer you dealt with last week! They’re super happy with you going above and beyond for them. This is the kind of service that makes our team proud!”
17. Communicating well
Communicating may seem easy, but it’s not! Congratulate your employee for communicating and sharing their ideas in a manner everyone understands.
“Thank you for taking the time to update the team on the changes to the project. It’s really important to maintain everyone aligned and your presentation really helped clear all doubts. Your actions showed great initiative and your presentation displayed great communication skills. I think this action will help us work better moving forward and it wouldn’t have been possible without you!”
18. Contributing to meetings
Sharing your ideas during meetings can seem intimidating. Thank your employee for doing their research and providing great, useful notes for your project.
“You’ve worked really hard to be more contributing during meetings. I think your input today was really important to the project. You seem very invested in the success of the company and put effort into researching the issue. I admire your dedication, keep working hard!”
19. Collaborating well with colleagues
Collaborating with colleagues and keeping everyone’s ideas into account takes great effort and organization.
“I really liked that you made the effort to keep every team member up to date on your tasks. It really helps the team make better informed decisions and it shows great collaboration. Working well together is a great part of our company culture and you really understood the task.”
20. Working well in teams
Congratulate your employee for being an exceptionally good team player. It shows great attitude and leadership skills, so why not motivate them to continue doing so?
“I’m really proud of your ability to be a great team player. I noticed you made sure all members were aware of their roles and ensured everyone had the opportunity to share their ideas. You are an amazing team player!”
21. Meeting deadlines
Meeting deadlines in a fast paced environment or a busy season can be very stressful. Alleviate your team’s stress by sharing how happy and proud of them you are.
“We work in a very fast paced environment, which is why I’m even more impressed by you meeting all your deadlines. I can see all the extra efforts you put in this week to meet the project deadlines. The client was really thankful to have the documents ready on time and I’m really proud of you.”
22. Showing great values
When an employee displays great company values, it really shows how dedicated and aligned they are with your organization.
“I wanted to congratulate you for showing great values yesterday. Your quick thinking and willingness to collaborate with your peers really shows you’ve taken in the company values and made them your own. I’m really proud of how far you’ve come!”
23. Having new responsibilities
Being promoted and having new responsibilities is very scary!
“Promoting you was the best choice for our team. I am so happy to see you challenging yourself and being open to more responsibilities. We understood your potential but you are really impressing us with your progress. All your hard work is paying off!”
24. Being a great leader
Congratulate your employee for showing great leadership skills that will surely take them far!
“Thank you for leading the team through this new phase. I know our team members feel safe trusting and relying on you, and you have shown how great a leader you are.”
25. Managing their reports well
Congratulate your employee and show them all the good things their great management skills have brought.
“I have really seen the progress the team has made since you took over as a manager. I’ve noticed a great boost in employee engagement, morale and even productivity! Everyone seems to be delighted to work with you and you’re a great manager. I’m so excited to see what you make of this team!”
26. Helping a colleague
Going out of your way to help your colleague shows an amazing attitude. Motivate your employees and show them how beneficial their actions were.
“I really appreciate how you helped your colleague yesterday. I know they were really thankful and wouldn’t have been able to meet their deadline without you. Your willingness to help others and make those around you better is one of your greatest assets. Thank you for your efforts!”
27. Doing something for the benefit of others
Doing something for the benefit of others is a great positive feedback example. It shows selflessness!
“It’s really admirable you spent your whole afternoon tidying up the documents! I think it’s going to really help the team organize the checks and get them on time to reach the clients. Your dedication to the team is amazing!”
28. Handling conflict well
Conflict in the workplace is a difficult task, and you never know when to interfere. Handling conflict well definitely shows great leadership skills.
“You did a great job managing the conflict at the meeting yesterday. You made both parties feel heard and understood, which I think resolved the issue in the end. If it hadn’t been for you and your kind and quick response, we wouldn’t have been able to resolve it!”
29. Coming to you for help
Asking for help is intimidating. Let your employee know you are happy to offer your help any time they need you to, and thank them for understanding their limits.
“I’m really happy you came to me for help on this project. I know being honest and admitting something is too much is a hard task. I’d love help in anything I can so we can get this done together and on time. If you hadn’t come to me we probably wouldn’t be able to meet the deadline now, so I’m glad you did so.”
30. Providing great feedback
Congratulate your employee for doing so well and motivating their colleagues with good feedback.
“I heard you gave the team great feedback this morning. I can already see the improvement! You’ve really pointed out their areas of improvement and they’re already working on them. Your feedback really showed great attention to detail and I’m very proud of you and your team for it.”
31. Responding well to change
Change is very scary, especially when it comes to the workplace. Motivating your employee with some nice words will surely create a greater sense of accomplishment when things go back to normal.
“I know the team has gone through great changes over the past few weeks and it’s been hard. Thank you for working on making the change easier for everyone. You’ve shown great team spirit and made the transition so much smoother for everyone.”
32. Attending a work event
Putting yourself out there and showing up to a work event can feel intimidating.
“I’m really proud of you for putting yourself out there and attending the networking event. I think your new connections will set you up for success in the future. Your attendance really showed your initiative and ambition.”
33. Contributing to company culture
A great positive feedback example is when your employee actively contributes to company culture by participating in events or being very active with the community.
“Ever since you arrived, you’ve made great efforts in participating in our company culture. Thank you for collaborating on our company events and initiatives and bringing your support and kindness always.”
34. Feeling burnout
When your employees feel burnout, receiving positive reinforcement from an employer can help alleviate the stress.
“I know you’ve been feeling tired lately and I really appreciate your contribution to the team despite burnout. Please let me know if I can do anything to help or if you would like to take some extra time off. You’re an incredibly valuable asset to our team, so I will do what I can to accommodate and help you get back on track.”
35. Needing a confidence boost
Sometimes your employees need a little push to get through the day. Be there for them and show them you care.
“Hey I just wanted to tell you how great of a job you’re doing lately. You’re very talented and you show that on all your projects. You have grown so much since you first started, and you are an essential part of our team. Thank you so much for your hard work! Please let me know if I can do anything to make your time here happier.”
How to respond to Positive Feedback
Receiving positive feedback can be a very rewarding and motivating experience. However, we often don’t know how to respond appropriately to this type of feedback, and it’s important that we do so to keep the wheel turning! So how can we respond to positive feedback:
- Appreciate the feedback.
- Show gratitude.
- Reflect on the feedback received.
- Share your reflection.
- Ask questions.
- Use positive feedback to grow.
1. Appreciate the Feedback
The first thing we should do when we receive positive feedback is to thank the person who gave it to us. This shows that we value their opinion and that we are willing to listen to their comments. It also encourages the colleague to continue sharing feedback with us.
2. Show gratitude
In addition to acknowledging the feedback, it’s important to show our gratitude for the recognition received. This can be done with a simple phrase such as “I feel very grateful for your words”, or by showing the joy we feel at having received it.
3. Reflect on the feedback received
Once we’ve thanked and shown our gratitude, it’s important to take some time to reflect on the positive feedback we’ve received. This may involve thinking about how we’ve achieved that positive behavior or how we can continue to improve in the future.
After reflecting on the feedback, it’s important to share our thoughts and reflections with the person who gave us the feedback. This shows, once again, that we value their opinion and are willing to learn and do even better.
5. Ask questions
If the feedback received has been brief or lacking in detail, we may wish to obtain more information. In this case, we can ask for more feedback about the positive behavior that the manager or colleague has highlighted, or ask how we could continue to improve in that area.
6. Use Positive Feedback to grow
Finally, it’s important to take advantage of positive feedback to continue to grow and improve in the future. This may involve looking for new opportunities to apply the skills and behaviors that have been highlighted, or seeking additional feedback for further improvement.
Create a positive feedback culture
By now, you should have a better idea of examples of positive feedback your employees need to hear. So why not implement it in your day-to-day work? Keep in mind the great benefits of creating the habit of receiving and giving feedback. It will help you learn much more about your employees’ needs and make decisions based on them.
A great way to create the habit of receiving and giving feedback in your company is through weekly peer-to-peer job recognition loops. Encourage employees to give positive feedback each week and you’ll quickly see their job satisfaction and confidence increase.
