Key points

“Good job” praises effort; good guidance transforms performance and builds confidence.

Great feedback balances appreciation, coaching, and evaluation for true development.

Employees crave specific, future-focused feedback that fuels motivation and trust.

Feedback isn’t about kindness—it’s about clarity that drives growth and improvement.

For feedback to be effective, it should focus on the future. Source: Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash

Becky (not her real name) just completed a project she was very proud of. She poured her heart and soul into the work, and countless hours. Was it perfect? No. Was it solid? Yes. When Becky went to meet with her boss to discuss the project and how to improve it for next year, the only words she got were “Good job. You’re doing fine. Keep it up.”

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