HBR Guide to Delivering Effective Feedback (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 16

How to Give Star Performers Productive Feedback

by Amy Gallo

As counterintuitive as it may seem, giving feedback to a top performer can be even tougher than giving it to an underperformer or a combative employee. Top performers may not have obvious development needs, and in identifying those needs, you can feel like you’re being nitpicky or overdemanding. In addition, top performers may not be used to hearing constructive feedback and may bristle at the slightest hint that they’re not perfect.

But giving your stars good feedback is essential to keeping them engaged, focused, and motivated. Luckily, feedback discussions do not need to be unpleasant, especially with top performers. Instead of dreading your next conversation with them, ...