In the previous article, we talked about the power of feedback and how it can position us for success.
Feedback can easily turn into destructive criticism if it’s not done properly. If you’re you working in an environment where people are exposed to endless criticism with no touch of empathy, you appreciate the importance of feedback and know that there is a fine line between constructive feedback and constant criticism.
A research study shows that negativity is stronger than positivity, concluding that negative emotions last longer than positive ones. This effect can have significant implications on employees’ mental wellbeing, because we, as humans, aren’t built to get exposed to constant, high levels of stress resulting from criticism and negativity.
Empathy is key to giving feedback in a way that’s constructive and supportive. Using empathy statements can be very effective in reducing negativity while promoting a healthy and collaborative teamwork mentality.
What are Empathy Statements?
Empathy statements are expressions that acknowledge and validate other people’s feelings. They help build connection, provide comfort, and facilitate understanding. Here are some empathy statements you can use in your workplace to break the vicious cycle of burnout caused by a feeling of being constantly criticized:
“I can see that you put a lot of effort into this, and I appreciate your hard work. I’d like to offer some suggestions that might help you improve even further.”
“I understand that this might be tough to hear, but my intention is to help you succeed. Let’s work through this together and find a way to address these issues.”
“It’s clear that you’re passionate about this project, and that’s great. Here are a few areas where I think we could make some improvements to help reach our goals more effectively.”
“I know this feedback might feel overwhelming, but I want to support you in making the changes needed. Let’s break this down and tackle it step by step.”
“I appreciate your willingness to take on this challenge. I’d like to share some observations that I believe could enhance your work and lead to even better results.”
“I understand that you might have different perspectives on this, and I respect that. Let’s discuss how we can align our goals and find the best way forward.”
“You’ve made some strong points here, and I want to highlight a few areas where I think there’s room for growth. My goal is to support you in achieving your best work.”
“I know receiving feedback can be difficult, but I’m here to help. Let’s look at these points together and see how we can turn them into opportunities for growth.”
“Your effort hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I value the work you’ve done. Here are some thoughts on how we might refine things to make your impact even greater.”
“I want to be transparent with you about how things could be improved, and I’m committed to helping you through this process. Let’s address these points collaboratively.”
Demonstrating empathy while providing feedback can be a powerful and effective tool. Not only it will help get the results you want, it also prevents burnout and promotes a supportive environment where people feel valued and understood.