Let's say you notice an employee struggling with some paperwork. She appears to want help. I've noticed that you seem to be struggling with that paperwork. Jane's attention is immediately engaged, and she's much more open to your comments. The Direct Hit.
Great feedback is clear, precise and unambiguous.
While most people don't have difficulty offering positive feedback, many avoid giving what they perceive as negative feedback. Yet for a message to be understood, it must be delivered clearly without any wavering, while still offering the person the opportunity to participate in a brief discussion. A sobering message comes across as serious. It forces the listener to consider the impact of his action. But this morning you criticized Jane for not buying the splints.