What approach should supervisors take when delivering feedback?

Focusing on individual behaviors when delivering feedback is essential for effective communication and improved performance. This approach allows supervisors to address specific actions or behaviors that can be changed or improved upon, facilitating personal accountability. By being particular and clear about which behaviors are being discussed, supervisors help employees understand the context and implications of their actions, making it easier for them to recognize areas for growth.

This targeted feedback also encourages a constructive dialogue, as employees can ask questions or seek clarification about the particular behaviors being observed. It fosters an atmosphere of trust and openness, where employees feel supported in making necessary changes. As a result, this method can lead to more successful outcomes and a stronger working relationship between supervisors and their team members.

In contrast, generalizing feedback can be vague and might confuse the recipient as they may not know exactly which behaviors need to change. Providing no examples diminishes the opportunity for clarity and understanding, while limiting feedback to performance reviews restricts communication to a singular moment rather than ongoing constructive dialogue.