Praise in Public; Critique in Private
In any situation, feedback is essential for developing interpersonal connections. It contributes to the growth and improvement of everyone involved. How, where, and when you deliver that feedback can make all the difference.
Praise in Public
When you give praise in public, you recognize the individual for their hard work and achievements. Doing it fairly and evenly tells others their efforts are noticed and sets a positive tone.
Make a habit of doing it as soon as possible in the proper public forum. Immediate feedback provides a spotlight on the behaviors and accomplishments that are important to your joint efforts.
Public praise can also help build trust and confidence among team members. People who feel that their efforts are recognized and acknowledged are more likely to be engaged and motivated to continue working hard.
BTW, the reward for hard work shouldn’t always be more hard work. Everyone has their “go-to” people; make sure there is equal and reward on par for the effort.
Criticize in Private
When you criticize privately, you create a safe space for honest feedback and discussion. This allows the individual to receive constructive criticism with less likelihood of feeling embarrassed or humiliated in front of their peers.
Private criticism also allows you to have a more productive conversation. Without the distractions of a public setting, you can focus on the issues and work together to find a solution.
Public criticism can damage both the individual and the team. It can create a toxic work environment, erode trust and confidence, and even lead to resentment among team members.
When giving feedback, it's important to keep a few things in mind: