Positive feedback is a learning tool that motivates learners and employees beginning their career journey – and helps them better understand what is expected of them in order to progress in the workplace.
The formative stages of a career are filled with opportunities for learning and personal and professional growth. Strategic positive feedback from line managers can have a substantial positive impact on the experience of an apprentice, graduate or new starter within your organisation.
Regular positive feedback can be folded into people management to reinforce behaviour and build a younger employee’s self-esteem and sense of belonging.
These examples of positive feedback can be adapted as desired. They can be used in formal check-ins and one-to-ones, or introduced ad hoc as part of daily best practice and team management.
20 examples of positive feedback
Acknowledge their customer service skills
“Client A was delighted with the support you gave them yesterday. They appreciated how patient and thorough you were. Well done!”
Acknowledge their teamwork
“It’s great to see how well you collaborate with the team and how well you’re fitting in with your colleagues.”
Praise their attitude
“Your positive attitude, even in challenging situations, is infectious. It’s making us all feel more upbeat and motivated.”
Praise their communication skills
“You articulated your ideas so clearly and effectively in this morning’s meeting.”
Acknowledge their initiative
“Your proactive approach to seeking out projects and responsibilities shows great initiative. It’s fantastic to see that drive in a new starter.”
Recognise their enthusiasm and eagerness
“I’ve noticed your enthusiasm during our training sessions and the way you always ask excellent and thoughtful questions.”
Praise their organisational skills
“You’re so organised that I never have to worry about your projects remaining on track, which takes a big responsibility off my plate.”
Praise their reliability
“You’ve quickly become such a reliable member of our team. I love knowing that we can always count on you to deliver and to go above and beyond.”
Praise their adaptability
“I know the way we do things here is quite different to what you’ve been used to in the past. It’s impressive how well you’ve adapted and integrated our systems and processes into your work.”
Praise their receptiveness to feedback
“I appreciate your openness to feedback and how well you take constructive criticism in stride and use it to make your work better.”
Praise their problem-solving skills
“That was a fantastic solution you proposed to that client’s issue. Well done for thinking outside the box and problem-solving so effectively.”
Praise their creativity
“Your creative outlook has brought a fresh perspective and is challenging us to look beyond our current way of doing things and embrace new ideas.”
Praise their commitment to growth and improvement
“It’s evident that you’re invested in your personal and professional growth. Your dedication to improving your skills will take you a long way in your career.”
Praise their attention to detail
“Your meticulousness helped us to avoid a costly mistake in that project. Thank you for showing such great attention to detail.”
Praise their self-management
“I know you’ve had a lot on your plate recently and I just wanted to let you know that the self-management and time-management you’ve shown to keep on top of things has been really impressive.”
Praise their technical proficiency
“Your proficiency with [task/skill] is far ahead of what we’d normally expect of someone so new to the field!”
Praise their leadership qualities
“You did a great job taking the lead on that project meeting. It showed real leadership potential.”
Praise their embodiment of your organisational values
“You’ve really embraced our values and fitted seamlessly into the company culture. In particular, your interaction with Client A today showed how well you’ve taken our customer service commitment to heart.”
Praise their kindness or supportiveness
“Even though you’re so new yourself, I appreciate how you’ve stepped up to welcome our new intern. I know you’ve made them feel welcome and at home.”
Praise their professionalism
“I know that joining the world of work from education is a big adjustment, but you’ve shown exemplary professionalism since you joined us.”
The anatomy of a great compliment
Positive feedback is a tool that can shape behaviour, build confidence, and have a positive impact on a person’s entire career trajectory. It assures younger workers and workplace learners that they are on the right track and motivates them to push themselves.
An compliment that acts as positive reinforcement should be sincerely meant, as specific as possible, and ideally given in the moment or as soon afterwards as possible.
Recognise their strengths and contributions and celebrate their achievements, a new starter at your organisation – such as an apprentice, graduate, or someone in the early stage of their career – will increase motivation and a better understanding of how they can grow into a loyal, dependable, and highly skilled worker.
