How to Effectively Give Constructive Feedback [with 70+ Examples]

I appreciate and value your effort on the project. However, I noticed some challenges in your communication techniques that impacted overall collaboration within the team. Moving forward, I believe that it would be helpful if we could have more regular discussions to ensure everyone is on the same page. Let's work together on enhancing your communication for better teamwork!

Your communication sucked on this project and it’s completely your fault that we didn’t hit our target goal. Do better next time. 

Hello [Colleague], over the past month I have observed that deadlines are frequently missed - this has affected our team's productivity and has led to pushbacks in deadlines several times already. I would like to sit down with you to discuss strategies that can be employed to improve time management. Maybe setting smaller milestones or utilizing project management tools could help ensure the timely delivery of tasks. Please update me on your schedule so that we can arrange a time to sit down for this meeting!

Why are you always so late in submitting your work? We’re all falling behind because of you and it’s making us look bad in front of the administration. Get your act together or quit. 

Good morning [Colleague], I noticed some areas in your presentation yesterday where the message wasn't clear, and engagement seemed low amongst your audience. Perhaps incorporating visuals or practicing the delivery before the presentation could make a significant difference. Let's arrange some time to collaborate on enhancing your presentation skills for future meetings.

I don’t think I’ve heard such a boring presentation in a long time. You’re speaking too quietly and your voice is putting everyone to sleep. You have to do better or your future at this company seems grim. 

Hi [Colleague A], how are you doing? I have noticed that you and [Colleague B] have run into some disagreements recently. I understand disagreements happen, but the recent conflict has seemed to affect team dynamics. It would be helpful if we could find a constructive way to resolve conflicts in the future. I suggest considering a more open conversation or involving a mediator if needed. I would be more than happy to assume that role if you so choose. 

What is going on with you and [Colleague B]? Can you two keep your disagreements to yourself and stop holding the team back? You’re wasting everyone’s time. 

[Colleague], I appreciate your input in our brainstorming sessions. However, I've noticed that your ideas lately have been rather conservative. While these ideas are still always welcome, it would be great if we could explore more innovative approaches in line with our company model. Your unique perspective has always brought valuable insights to the team and I am positive it can continue to do so!

Your ideas lately have really sucked. What is the matter? Our company needs forward-thinking people, not people that are stuck in the past. 

Hello [Manager], how are you? Thank you for all the support that you have given and continue to give our team. Your leadership has helped us through many tough times. That said, recently the team and I have felt that your guidance has lacked some transparency which has brought some uncertainty to decisions made for the team. We do hope that you can consider what we’ve told you today and can provide a little more transparency in your decision-making process moving forward. 

Hi [Manager], lately we’ve noticed that you have been hiding many things from us. We’re not stupid - just tell us everything we need to know so we can do our jobs properly.

Hello [Manager], I believe expressing a little more appreciation for the team's efforts would boost morale. While I understand over-praise can lead to some swelled heads, recognition of a job well done can go a long way in motivating everyone. The team and I ask that you consider acknowledging individual and collective achievements to foster a more positive work environment. Thank you for your attention and consideration. 

We work for you all day, every day, and you never thank or congratulate us when we finish a job. Do better or find someone who will. 

Hello [Manager], how are you? I have noticed that over the past few months, your leadership, at times, has come across as overly controlling and micromanaging situations unnecessarily. While we appreciate your guidance, this pattern of behavior may impede individual creativity and morale. In the future, we ask that you kindly consider giving us more leeway in individual decision-making processes. 

Hi [Manager], please stop micromanaging us all the time. Your ideas make no sense and it makes the team not want to work for you. 

Hello [Manager], we have noticed that your feedback, while greatly appreciated, at times is too critical and does not provide the needed guidance to implement the changes you wish to see in our performance. We ask that you try to build more constructive feedback around the ideas you have in mind for us to actively improve our workflows. 

Please keep overly critical comments to yourself if you can’t even explain what you want us to change. If you have so many problems with the way we do things, feel free to do it yourself.  

Hello [Manager], the team and I believe there's room for more support in terms of professional development. We believe that regular training sessions or professional development opportunities for skill-building could substantially contribute to the growth and value of the team. Let's discuss how we can integrate more development initiatives into our workflow.

You’re not doing anything to help the team develop. This is not what a leader does; step up or step out. 

Hello [Employee], I've noticed that you've been recently regularly falling short of performance expectations. Let's find some time this week to discuss specific areas that need improvement and work together to set achievable goals. It's essential for your success and the success of the team that we address these concerns promptly, and I am willing and able to help you get there.

Lately, I’ve noticed you have been slacking off. You either pick up the pace or you’re fired. 

Hi [Employee], I’ve noticed that you have been consistently performing at a high level, and I have taken note of your interest in professional development. I would be glad to arrange professional development training sessions for the team so that you can all benefit from and grow together. 

I know you want to learn more, but I’m not here to send you to school. You’re on your own. 

Hello [Employee], how are you doing? I have noticed that your communication style is not very clear at times and has left me and others confused by your meaning. Let’s take some time this week to discuss effective communication techniques and get you up to speed!

None of us here understand what you’re saying half of the time. This is unacceptable. Do better or we’ll find someone who will. 

Management and I have noticed that your last four projects that have been submitted were all past the deadline. Let’s meet this week to discuss the guidance we can give and the steps we can take to help you meet your deadlines more consistently

I’ve noticed you’ve been falling behind recently. This is unacceptable. If you cannot finish work when you’re in the office, you should take it home. 

I've observed some resistance to changes in projects or processes implemented to streamline workflows between teams. It's essential for our team's success that we continue to adapt to new approaches. Let's discuss your concerns and find ways to make the transition smoother. Embracing these changes will contribute to our overall efficiency and will reflect well on your future performance reviews.

We’re a forward-thinking company. If you can’t keep up with progress, find a new job. 

Hello [Employee], It seems you've been struggling to meet the set goals consistently. Let's arrange some time today to review these goals together, identify challenges, and work on a plan to overcome them. I am here for you at every step to ensure that we can all progress for the benefit of the team.

You’re consistently missing the mark on deadlines. If you can't keep up with the rest of the team, we are going to find someone who can. 

Hello [Employee], I’ve noticed that you are consistently defensive when receiving feedback from your colleagues and supervisors. Constructive feedback is an integral part of every professional’s career; it is one of the drivers of professional growth. Let’s arrange some time this week for us to discuss how constructive feedback creates a welcoming environment for personal and professional growth. 

There is no need to be so defensive, [Employee]. Learn to take criticism or find a new job. 

We have noticed that you are finding it difficult to complete assigned tasks, as it appears that you do not yet have the technical knowledge to complete them. Let’s sit today and figure out how we can provide the support and training that will allow you to learn and perform with the full potential we see in you. 

It is clear you don’t know what you’re doing. If you can’t do your job soon, we’ll find someone who can. 

Hello [Colleague], the team and I have noticed some inconsistencies in your performance over the last two weeks. Let’s sit down with the rest of the team and discuss how we can move forward with a higher level of cohesion between us. We’re here to help you every step of the way. 

You’re dragging everyone down with your slow and inconsistent work. Please pay more attention to the things you do as we do not have time to continuously fix your mistakes. 

Hello [Employee], I have taken note of a pattern of behavior showing that you tend to wait for instructions for every task rather than taking initiative. Taking on tasks independently would be of great help to everyone in the team. I’d suggest starting by independently choosing tasks you are comfortable with, and progressing from there. Please let me know if you need any further help!

It is exhausting having to always tell you what and when to do things. Please pick up the pace. 

Hello [Employee], I have heard the expression of your interest in taking on higher positions within the company, and your doubts on whether you are up for the task. I do believe you have what it takes for vertical progression in our company. Let’s sit down for a meeting this week to discuss your strengths and weaknesses in length and evaluate where you would be best suited to the company. 

You have the potential but lack the confidence. You might be qualified but you won’t get promoted until you have the confidence in yourself to realize your strengths.

I’ve heard your interest in expanding your professional network to include more people from our company. This is an excellent idea that I believe all our employees should be a part of. Let’s arrange a mixer this month to kick start building the professional rapport between you and all of our employees.

We come to work to do a job and not to make friends. 

We have received notice of your interest in diversifying your skill set to prepare for a vertical advancement within the company. I am highly pleased with your performance during your time with us and am more than happy to facilitate a period of cross-training with your supervisor so that you can acquire the skills and inside scoop on the day-to-day responsibilities of a position in the administration.

We have received your request for cross-training, but we are unable to afford you if you are promoted. If you would like a higher position, I suggest you find a new job somewhere else. 

Looking through your attendance records, I have noticed that you are arriving late to work more times than not. While a couple of minutes here and there is acceptable, I’d like to take some time to sit down with you and discuss how we can accommodate your commute to work so that you can begin to consistently comply with our punctuality policy. 

Why are you always late? This is unacceptable behavior. If the commute takes too long, leave earlier!

Hello [Employee], I have received comments and have personally been on the receiving end of communication exchanges with you that are easily interpreted as standoffish and confrontational. Clear and professional channels of communication are always encouraged in our company, both for the sake of professionalism and to maintain a positive working environment. Let’s take some time today to discuss how we can improve the tone of your interactions with your coworkers to smooth out any conflicts that may otherwise arise.  

You are being rude and you cannot speak to your colleagues this way. If we do not see immediate improvement, you’ll be out of a job soon. 

Based on the results of the last two quarterly reviews, a trend is emerging that shows your team is consistently behind on goals that you have set for yourselves. We are here to help you; let’s take some time this week to meet and discuss how we can adjust your workflows to more consistently meet deadlines and quarterly targets.

Underperforming in my company is the fastest way out of it. Figure out what needs fixing and do so before it’s too late. 

We've noticed some inefficiencies in your team's workflow, which have impacted your overall output. Let's schedule a meeting to discuss potential improvements and ensure a smoother workflow between our teams. Collaboration on refining these processes will benefit all parties and will ensure smoother workflows in the future. 

I’m tired of dealing with your mess. You’re not working cohesively as a team. Fix it, and fix it fast. 

Based on data from our latest market analysis, we have determined that our company’s products are not effectively resonating with our target market. Let’s get together this afternoon and brainstorm ways to change this for the better. Doing so will give us a stronger direction to reorient ourselves in. 

We’re not making sales because our target market doesn’t like it. We need to fix it or we’re going out of business soon!

I've noticed our customer satisfaction scores are coming back below our anticipated expectations. This is a concern for all of us, and I want to work together to address it. Let's meet this week to discuss potential improvements and strategies to enhance our service. Your input and commitment are crucial to turning this around, and we value every opinion that you have. 

We are underperforming and it’s all your fault. Find a way to turn this disaster around ASAP!

I’ve noticed that we have recently been rather isolated from the workflows of other teams. This may result in impeded inter-team projects whose deadlines are coming up. Let’s start by arranging regular check-ins with me to monitor our progress so that I can better coordinate our deadlines with other teams working with us.

If working in silos was a good thing, there wouldn’t be a special name for it. Start talking to each other so we can all do our jobs!

Hello team, over the last week I have observed a distinct lack of communication between everyone. I’d like to take the necessary steps to change that. Let’s start by sitting down for a team meeting this afternoon to update everyone on the progress that has been made. We can also discuss team-building methods that we can employ to ensure that everyone is on good terms with each other and that our workflows are synchronized. 

Why is no one talking to each other? We’re double-working and no one is producing anything of value! Start talking to each other or everyone’s fired!

Hello [Employee], I would like to bring to your attention the incident that occurred on [date] involving [description of the incident]. This behavior goes against our company’s policies on [name of the policy]. As such, please meet with me tomorrow morning, where we will discuss the incident at length and talk about ways that similar situations can be avoided in the future. 

What you did was unacceptable and you have brought shame and disgrace to yourself and the company. Don’t bother coming in tomorrow. 

Good afternoon team, over the past month I have observed that our team has been falling behind in terms of solving problems and challenges that arise throughout the day. Proactive problem-solving is a great way to build team spirit and foster greater levels of collaboration within the team. I suggest that we get together and perform some team-building exercises to boost our morale so we can get back to doing what needs to be done!

Team, I don’t pay you for silence, I pay for results. If you can’t give them to me, then start looking for a new job. 

Hello [Employee], I would like to bring to your attention our company dress code policy. Unfortunately, your attire today appears to go against this. Our dress code exists to maintain a level of professionalism within the office, and I would appreciate it if you would avoid wearing this and clothing similar to this in the future. If you would like further clarification on this matter, I am always available to meet and discuss it with you. 

What are you wearing? You’re not allowed to wear this in my office. Go home and change or leave and don’t come back. 

Hi [Employee], I have noticed that your interactions with the last couple of clients do not align with the standards that we hold our sales representatives to in this company. I would like to schedule some time with you today to discuss how we can provide the help or training you need to reach the standard to which we hold all of our employees. Doing so will help you advance in your professional career while maintaining and representing the reputation of our company.

If you’re rude to one more client, your days at this company are over. Fix up or get out. 

[Employee], I have observed that the interactions that you have been having with your colleagues are below the expectations of our company. Swearing at work, and spreading rumors and gossiping about your coworkers violates our company’s code of ethics. Please find the time to meet with me this afternoon so that we can discuss precisely how our company would like professional exchanges at the workplace to proceed. 

Talking about people behind their backs is the fastest way to lose respect here. It’d be best to find another job because your future with us isn’t looking too great.