This may not be a very popular viewpoint but I am committed to be honest/transparent...

I think it's more difficult to provide positive feedback than constructive.  It should be easier because you know that the receiver will be more receptive to positive than negative.  But to me it's a combination of two things:

  1.  Because (and I think someone else expressed this at the all day) I feel like by praising someone, especially at a ratio of 5 to 1 gives them the false sense that they are doing great, better than reality.  But I do agree with Paul's comment at the all day that even though it may actually be 5 to 1, that it feels more like 1 to 1 to the person receiving it.
  2.  If I am going to praise 5 to 1 then I am going to be praising them for things that are just part of their job, that should be expected as part of their performance for what they are getting paid.

So clearly I struggle with giving positive feedback.  I don't really expect it, and I don't readily give it.

That being said, I am working on improving and provided positive feedback to someone on my team earlier this week and it was clearly appreciated.

Thank you,
Steve

steve.riley@acisinc.com<mailto:steve.riley@acisinc.com>
Cell: 972-333-1333

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