Writing Constructive Feedback™

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What outcomes can you expect?
In this workshop, you will apply your company's performance management training to performance review documents--formal or informal. You will learn to apply our reader-centered writing process to

  • deliver specific feedback that will motivate and positively reinforce
  • address actions, not attitudes--write about observable and measurable behaviors
  • write clear and constructive development plans
  • deliver both corrective and supportive feedback strategies in your documents
  • increase your productivity.

Prerequisite: your company's performance management training

Writing feedback documents that get results

Write reviews that foster growth

  • deal in specific behaviors
  • express coaching suggestions clearly
  • illustrate with examples and quotes

Influence your reader

  • choose the right words, content, and tone--write personably and non-judgmentally
  • organize your ideas effectively
  • use the positive approach--turn negatives into positives

Streamline your message

  • produce written feedback quickly
  • analyze and plan for your readers
  • streamline sentences for conciseness
  • avoid gobbledygook

Write for results

  • make your writing active
  • edit for results using checklists
  • proofread accurately
  • position conclusions and recommendations strategically

Who should attend?
Anyone who is preparing written feedback (from sales managers to line supervisors) will find this workshop a valuable addition to performance management training.

What books and materials do you receive?

  1. Books: Write to the Top®: Writing for Corporate Success (Random House) and the Instant-Answer Guide to Business Writing (iUniverse), by Deborah Dumaine, Better Communications®' founder; Performance Appraisal Phrase Book (Adams Media) by Corey Sandler and Janice Keefe
  2. Better Communications' workbook, with additional exercises tailored to your needs
  3. Reinforcement by E-mailTM: 24 content-rich messages reviewing key tools and concepts (optional)