Military Matters

First Sergeants’ Corner

Performance feedback

Why are performance feedbacks so important? Your subordinates need to know what is expected of them and how they are performing. But, ultimately, it should be with the intent to groom your replacement. You must give your subordinates feedback in order to help them learn and overcome substandard performances.When should you provide feedback? Give feedback immediately after their performance fails to meet your standard, but also praise them when they meet or exceed your expectations.

To minimize typical defensive reactions, focus on their performance, not their personality. How do you know if you were effective? When your subordinate can explain what they did wrong, why it was wrong and how to improve, you know you were effective. Have the courage to offer corrections, and don’t accept mediocre performance.