The Power of Timely Feedback: Preventing Career-Defining Surprises
Feedback is a vital aspect of personal and professional growth. Timing the feedback delivery is paramount to its effectiveness. Delayed feedback can have far-reaching consequences, leading to misunderstandings, lowered morale, and damaged relationships.
Feedback Timing Gone Wrong
I’ve witnessed firsthand the adverse effects of delayed feedback.
“Jordan” worked for a client of mine. The company had a rigorous performance management process that required self-assessments and formal evaluations across different levels of the organization. These assessments heavily influenced promotions and bonuses.
In an ideal world, ongoing feedback throughout the year would have been the norm to prevent surprises during annual performance reviews. But as often happens, reality fell short.
During their annual performance review, Jordan learned that they wouldn't receive a promotion or bonus. What made it worse was a specific area of improvement pointed out by a project manager. The catch? This feedback referred to a situation from nine months earlier that Jordan could not even recall. The feedback itself was easily addressable, but it was not mentioned in the moment or at any point over the next several months.
Instead, the project manager watched Jordan continue the behavior without ever sharing the feedback directly. After their performance review, Jordan was left puzzled, wondering why they had not been informed during various interactions.
The consequences were profound. Trust in the project manager dissolved, leaving Jordan not only upset but also deeply frustrated. It became challenging for them to respect a manager who had chosen indirect communication. This experience transformed Jordan from a proactive and confident employee into a disengaged, disgruntled one. They left the company less than a year later.
Why Timely Feedback Matters
Prevents Feedback Snowballing: When feedback is not given promptly, even minor issues can escalate into major problems. Waiting too long can make it challenging to address and correct the behavior, making it harder for both the giver and receiver.
Mitigates Confirmation Bias: Delayed feedback often exacerbates confirmation bias, where individuals tend to embrace information that aligns with their beliefs and reject contradictory information. Prompt feedback offers an opportunity to tackle this bias head-on, encouraging open communication and growth.
How to Deliver Timely Feedback
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with team members to discuss their performance. These check-ins provide a natural platform for timely feedback.
In-the-Moment Feedback: Don't wait for formal performance reviews to address issues. Provide feedback as soon as you notice an area for improvement, or a job well done. This reinforces the behavior, making it more likely to continue or change.
Constructive Criticism: When offering feedback, be constructive and specific. Focus on the behavior or action, not the person. Clearly explain the impact of their actions and suggest improvements.
Private and Confidential: Deliver feedback privately and maintain confidentiality. This ensures that the individual does not feel embarrassed or threatened, promoting a more open and receptive atmosphere.
Delayed feedback can amplify minor issues, transforming a dedicated employee into one filled with doubt and apprehension. Feedback is not just a formality; it's a powerful tool for personal and organizational growth.