The Art Of Giving Positive Feedback

At Morgan James Consulting, we believe that feedback is one of the most powerful tools in a leader’s toolkit. Yet, too often, feedback conversations are reserved for what’s going wrong. Positive feedback, when given thoughtfully and consistently, builds trust, reinforces strengths, and inspires people to perform at their best.

1. Be Specific, Not General

Don’t just say: “Great job.”
Do say: “Your presentation was clear, confident, and data-driven — it helped the client see real value in our proposal.”

Being specific tells the recipient exactly what they did well, so they can repeat it. It moves beyond vague praise to highlight the particular behaviour, skill, or decision that made the difference.

When leaders are precise, powerful things happen:

• It reinforces desired behaviours. By calling out specifics, you signal what’s valued within your team or business, effectively shaping your culture in real time.
• It increases credibility. General praise can sometimes feel insincere, but detailed feedback demonstrates that you’re paying attention and that your recognition is earned.

2. Focus on the Impact

Positive feedback resonates when people understand why their action mattered.

For example: “Your quick response to the issue saved the team hours of rework — that kind of ownership makes a real difference.”

This links behaviour to business outcomes and reinforces a sense of purpose.

3. Make It Timely

Feedback is most powerful when it’s fresh.

Giving recognition close to the moment It’s warranted, feels relevant and authentic. Delayed praise often loses its motivational edge.

However, if the feedback relates to a situation where conflict has arisen, it is better to arrange for a meeting with the individual or persons involved when the heat of the moment has passed.

Giving feedback in the heat of the moment is rarely effective. But don’t wait too long—meeting within a couple of hours allows people to calm down without letting them dwell, worry, or escalate the conflict.

4. Match the Method to the Moment

• Private praise builds confidence and strengthens relationships.
• Public recognition boosts morale and sets positive examples for others.

Choose the setting that best supports the individual and the context. Also, consider their behavioural preference.

Quieter employees are much more likely to appreciate feedback whether it’s positive or challenging, in a one-to-one setting.

Those with a more extroverted preference will bask in the limelight of being given praise in a public setting but will wilt under the weight of public criticism. Choose your location for giving feedback carefully.

5. Be Genuine

People can tell the difference between genuine appreciation and empty flattery.

Speak from observation, not obligation.

If it doesn’t feel authentic, don’t say it yet! Find out what truly deserves recognition. Both parties will feel more confident and empowered that tangible efforts have been appropriately recognised.

6. Encourage Reflection

Great feedback sparks learning, not just satisfaction.

Try adding: “What do you think made that work so well?” or “what steps could you take to even further improve the outcome?”

This helps people internalise strengths and grow from success, not just from mistakes.

7. Balance the Feedback Portfolio

Positive feedback shouldn’t replace developmental feedback; it should balance it.

Leaders who only offer praise risk missing opportunities for growth, while those who focus solely on improvement can unintentionally erode motivation.

Regular recognition keeps performance discussions constructive rather than corrective. When people feel valued and confident in their strengths, they’re far more open to hearing what could be improved.

Aim for a healthy mix — celebrate wins and coach for growth. Over time, this balance creates a level of trust where feedback is welcomed, rather than feared.

8. Make It a Habit

Consistency builds credibility.

Don’t wait for performance reviews — make positive feedback part of your daily leadership routine.

We often talk about ‘catching people doing something right’, recognising small but consistent actions that would otherwise go under the radar. For your team members, this can often be more empowering than an annual performance review, as their successes are recognised in the moment with authenticity and reinforce their skills in the everyday, not just those highlight moments.

In Summary

Positive feedback isn’t about saying nice things, it’s about reinforcing the right things.
At Morgan James Consulting, we coach leaders to give feedback that is specific, strategic, and sincere — the kind that grows capability, strengthens culture, and sustains performance.