A manager who wishes to communicate effectively must receive and impart reliable and honest input by observing, questioning, and opening up productive two-way dialogue. Feedback is a major part of the total communication process that requires presenting ideas, thoughts, and messages clearly and distinctly.

Within the workplace, opportunities generally surface that make it easier and faster to obtain and gather information through an informal feedback process. Informal feedback consists of information exchanged among employees during normal workplace communications. It can be as simple as a supervisor or co-worker commenting on a procedural flaw or an incorrectly completed procedure. Employees often dispense positive informal feedback by telling other co-workers when they did something well. Through daily interactions and informal feedback, leaders and managers are able to effectively establish key interpersonal-relationship connections.

The purpose of feedback

Before offering feedback, it is essential to know just why you need it and what you intend to do with it. Below are some questions you should answer before offering one of your employees or anyone else specific feedback.

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