How to give negative feedback: 30+ examples to get it right

[jrineakter]

Giving someone negative feedback that is actually constructive is a challenge for many of us. It's hard to find the balance between sincerity and encouragement, especially when we want our words to lead to positive change, not defensiveness.

In this blog, we will share more than 30 examples of negative feedbackthat will help you deliver feedback that is both productive and empowering. Whether you are an HR professional, team leader, or manager, you will learn how to turn sensitive comments into opportunities for growth, without the awkwardness.

Ready to make feedback your secret weapon? Let's get started

Why is negative feedback important?
No one likes giving or receiving negative feedback. But it's like spinach in the workplace: it's not always the tastiest, but it's essential for growth. Whether you're an HR professional, a team turkey number data leader, or a manager, knowing how to effectively use negative feedback can work wonders.

Types of negative feedback
Before we see why it is important, let's talk about the two main types:

Corrective feedback
This is the “Hey, we need to fix this” type of thing. It refers to specific behaviors or actions that need to be improved. It’s like the GPS saying, “Recalculating” after a wrong turn.

Feedback for development
It focuses on long-term growth. It's like giving someone the tools they need to improve over time, not just fixing immediate problems. It's like coaching someone for their marathon, not just telling them to tie their shoes.

Read more: What is 360-degree feedback?

Why is negative feedback important?
It's not about pointing fingers at anyone or making them feel bad; it's about guiding them to do better. Here's why it's crucial:

Clarify expectations
If people don't know they're doing something wrong, how can they fix it? For example, if an employee keeps missing deadlines, corrective feedback helps them understand what's expected of them and why it's important. Without this clarity, they'd keep hitting the same wall.

Increase responsibility
Constructive feedback encourages people to take responsibility for their actions. Let’s say a marketing director’s campaigns aren’t working well. By pointing out specific areas for improvement, such as incorrect audience targeting, they’re more likely to take responsibility and make changes.

Increases motivation (surprisingly!)
Believe it or not, some employees appreciate negative feedback, especially when it comes with a solution. Imagine telling a customer service rep that they need to improve their tone with customers, and then giving them role-playing exercises to help them improve. Suddenly, it's not just criticism, it's the key to personal and professional growth.

The leader's role in negative feedback
The point is that feedback is like wielding a double-edged sword. But for a leader, it remains one of the most important tools in their arsenal to drive performance and growth. It's not just about pointing out mistakes, but guiding the team to improve and succeed.

Effective critical feedback helps set clear expectations, holds employees accountable, and provides a roadmap for improvement. Without it, employees may not be aware of where they are falling short, which can lead to stagnation and frustration.

When given constructively, negative feedback also builds trust and transparency, demonstrating that you are interested in their development. In short, leaders who offer thoughtful and timely feedback create a culture of continuous improvement and foster stronger, more resilient teams.

Learn more: How to conduct a reflective feedback session?

Examples of negative feedback
Negative feedback is scary, right? But it doesn't have to be. When negative feedback is right, it's more of a nudge in the right direction than a harsh criticism.

Let's look at some simple and practical examples of negative feedback.

Examples of feedback between bosses and employees
As a manager, you've probably had to give feedback that was a bit difficult to digest. Here are some realistic examples of employee feedback that make it easier.