I got slapped in the face...

A person that reports to me indirectly from another department hit me yesterday.  This person asked me how they were doing in their job.

Smack!  Right on the nose...

I missed it.  I missed the opportunity to give feedback along the way of the work this person was performing.  No, this person doesn't directly report to me and I'm not responsible for their annual review, but what a poor job I had done giving feedback over the last few months.

Feedback is so important...both good and bad.  Be constructive and give pats on the back when deserved.

By the way, this person was doing a great job in their new job function...

Don't miss the chance to say "thank you" and "good job" like I did.

I won't get hit again.

_____
tags:  work | management

Comments

[Andreas]

I have participated in a study that showed a clear linkage between the socalled "pad on the shoulder" and the motivation of the respective employee. And, surprise, surprise, as more recent the pad on the shoulder, the higher the motivation of the employee. Won't be able to show you the graph, but the linkage and correlation is TREMENDOUS!!

[K. Todd Storch]

Andreas,

No doubt at all! Don't forget to tell someone today good job!

Todd

[Mark Sicignano]

Great advice.

One more suggestion I'd add... If you really want to see somebody that doesn't report directly to you beam... send an email to their manager with your words of praise and Cc: the employee.

These pats on the back and emails full of recognition don't happen often enough in this world. People I've done it too always seem so surprised when it happens too.

[K. Todd Storch]

You're exactly right Mark.

Handwritten notes of 'thanks' and 'great job' in the office and sent to their home address is a great thing as well.

Thank you for the comment and suggestion!

Todd