Here's how you can effectively give feedback to a struggling sustainability team member.
As a member of a sustainability team, your role often involves more than just managing resources or reducing environmental impact; it's also about nurturing a cohesive and effective team. When a team member is struggling, it's crucial to provide constructive feedback that not only addresses performance issues but does so in a way that supports their growth and the team's overall sustainability goals. Understanding how to give feedback in this context can be the difference between a team that falters and one that flourishes.
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Nawar Alsaadi, FSA, SIPCSustainable Investing Evangelist | You Can't Afford Not To Follow!
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Prashant SehrawatLinkedIn Top Voice | ESG Intern at Zydus Lifesciences | MBA (Sustainability Management) | Developing Expertise for a…
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Ivan RangelChief of Staff at Happen Ventures | Sustainability Advocate | Driving Eco-Friendly Business Practices | Making…
Before diving into a feedback session, take the time to assess the situation thoroughly. Consider the specific sustainability goals and understand where the team member's performance may be falling short. Are they not adhering to project guidelines, or are they struggling with the innovative aspects of sustainability practices? Understanding the root cause is essential for providing targeted and effective feedback.
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Ivan Rangel
Chief of Staff at Happen Ventures | Sustainability Advocate | Driving Eco-Friendly Business Practices | Making Businesses Greener and More Profitable
Don’t just say do better. Point out specific things. For example, if they're slow on completing reports, mention a recent report that was late & discuss ways to manage time better. Start with something they're doing well. Maybe they're great at research or have innovative ideas... This boosts their confidence before you dive into the tougher stuff. Instead of just pointing out problems, suggest ways to improve. If they struggle with understanding data, maybe offer a mini-session to go through it together or recommend resources they can check out. Make sure they know what they need to achieve. You could set a deadline for the next report and check in halfway to see how it’s going.
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SUHAS BUDDHE
CMD at BIOCARE INDIA PVT LTD,STARTUP MENTOR ,NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS ,CARBON CREDITS
To effectively give feedback to a struggling sustainability team member: 1. Start the conversation with kindness and compassion. 2. Focus on behavior rather than personal attacks. 3. Provide constructive criticism with clear examples. 4. Offer support with resources and coaching. 5. Follow up to check in and provide ongoing support. By following these steps, you can effectively give feedback to a struggling team member and help them improve their performance.
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Mg. Eng. Enrique Garcia Arbulu
Project and Commercial Chief Director / Business Director
A continuación, te explicamos cómo puedes dar feedback de forma eficaz a un miembro del equipo de sostenibilidad con dificultades. Primero, elige un momento adecuado y un lugar privado para la conversación. Sé específico al describir los problemas observados y proporciona ejemplos concretos. Enfócate en los comportamientos y no en la persona, y destaca también los aspectos positivos de su desempeño. Ofrece sugerencias claras y constructivas para la mejora, y establece metas realistas. Escucha activamente sus preocupaciones y fomenta un diálogo abierto, mostrando tu apoyo y disposición para ayudarle a superar los desafíos.
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Leonel Rodrigues
Market Manager at Furukawa Electric LatAm
Aborde o problema em um ambiente privado e focado em soluções. Use linguagem positiva e empática, destacando pontos fortes e oferecendo sugestões práticas para melhorias. Estabeleça metas claras e mensuráveis, e ofereça suporte contínuo e recursos para ajudar no desenvolvimento e superação das dificuldades.
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Muamar Zamri
ESG & Sustainability | SDGs | Management | Manufacturing | QHSE+En | Compliance
When i noticed my subordinate's quiet demeanor, frustrated, and disconnected. Then I took the initiative to schedule a one-on-one meeting. Assess First: I started by creating a safe space for open communication. I praised my subordinate's past contributions and expressed my appreciation for their work ethic. Then I try to solve their struggles with "what" and "how" question, not a "why" question.
When you're ready to give feedback, approach the conversation with empathy and a clear goal of helping your team member improve. Begin by acknowledging their efforts and any positive contributions they've made to the team. This sets a constructive tone and shows that you recognize their value, making them more receptive to the feedback you're about to provide.
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Omkar Das
Sustainability and Climate Change Professional | ESG Rating | GHG Accounting | BRSR | Decarbonisation
Empathy in Action: Setting the Tone for Constructive Feedback As you prepare to deliver feedback, lead with empathy and a goal of supporting your team member's growth. Start by acknowledging their efforts and positive contributions. This establishes a constructive tone and demonstrates appreciation for their value, fostering receptiveness to the feedback ahead.
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Abhi Kapoor
ESG Enthusiast || UGC NET JRF Holder || Finance || Sustainability || Conversational AI || Educator || IIM Indore
1. Embracing traditional Indian practices like rainwater harvesting could significantly bolster our sustainability efforts. 2. Investing in renewable energy projects tailored to India's diverse climate can accelerate our transition to a greener economy. 3. Prioritizing waste management solutions aligned with India's cultural and socio-economic dynamics is crucial for sustainable development.
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Efrata Denny
My new book 'The Supply Chain Management Guide: Essential Strategies and Techniques' is now LIVE. Grab your copy here👇
Approach the conversation with empathy and a positive attitude. Ensure the team member feels respected and supported by creating a safe environment for the discussion. Use a private, comfortable setting and start with positive observations to set a collaborative tone.
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Sanjukta Bhattacharya🌍💹
Updapt- An ESG Tech Co🎯Business sustainability,Carbon Footprint,Climate Change✨Driving Sales 🚀🤝💵Growth✅SAAS based 🌿🌎ESG solution provider📝✨Sustainable Data Management
When giving feedback to a struggling sustainability team member, I set a constructive tone by approaching the conversation with empathy. I start by acknowledging their efforts and any positive contributions they’ve made. This shows that I value their work and helps them feel appreciated. By doing this, I create a supportive atmosphere, making them more receptive to the feedback and focused on improvement. My goal is to help them grow and succeed within the team.
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Eduard Anghel
Serial Entrepreneur| E-mobility⚡️🚗| Micromobility 🛴 | ESG Expert | Innovation🧠| Technology🔮|🔋Energy🌱| Smart City🌆 | C-Level | Futurist |
Imagine you're in their shoes—how would you feel if your boss or colleague began a feedback session by highlighting what you do well? You'd probably feel more appreciated and less defensive, right? This approach creates a sense of trust and respect, making the person more receptive to hearing what you have to say next. It’s like building a bridge before you start walking across it together. The ultimate goal here is to help your team member grow and improve. By starting with the positives, you’re not just softening the blow of any constructive criticism; you’re also framing the conversation in a way that shows you’re on their side. It’s not about pointing out flaws but about supporting them in becoming their best self.
In delivering your feedback, specificity is key. Vague comments can lead to confusion and further frustration. Relate your feedback to specific sustainability projects or tasks, and provide clear examples of where improvements are needed. This helps your team member understand the context and see a clear path to meeting expectations.
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Nawar Alsaadi, FSA, SIPC
Sustainable Investing Evangelist | You Can't Afford Not To Follow!
Giving feedback to a sustainability team member shouldn't be different from giving feedback to anyone else. The focus here should be on communication, understanding and follow up. The fact that the feedback ties back to a sustainability task is immaterial. Of note, there is a difference between giving feedback, which tends to be backwards looking, and giving advice which tends to be forward looking. Framing the conversation as either advice or feedback has implications as to how the employee would experince the interaction.
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Prashant Sehrawat
LinkedIn Top Voice | ESG Intern at Zydus Lifesciences | MBA (Sustainability Management) | Developing Expertise for a Sustainable Future | ESG | Renewable Energy | Climate Change | Decarbonization | IIFM’25
In my experience, a great way to give feedback that helps someone improve while keeping things positive is to start by pointing out what they're doing well. Then, you can offer some constructive feedback by focusing on specific areas where they can make improvements. Be sure to give them clear and actionable suggestions. It's also important to work together with the team member to set specific and achievable goals that align with their strengths and areas for growth. I've personally experienced this strategy when I was facing a similar issue, and it worked like a charm. It made me feel supported and motivated to get better, and I believe it can have the same positive impact on others.
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Gokul Shekar
TEDx Speaker | Public Speaker | Author | Climate Change Advocate | Sustainability | Renewable Energy | ESG | Carbon Credit Projects |
In delivering your feedback, specificity is key. Vague comments can lead to confusion and frustration. Relate your feedback to specific sustainability projects or tasks, providing clear examples of where improvements are needed. For instance, instead of saying, "You need to improve your reporting," you could say, "In the recent waste reduction project, the data you provided on recycling rates was incomplete. Ensuring all metrics are fully reported will help us better track our progress." This approach helps your team member understand the context and see a clear path to meeting expectations, making the feedback actionable and constructive.
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Efrata Denny
My new book 'The Supply Chain Management Guide: Essential Strategies and Techniques' is now LIVE. Grab your copy here👇
Provide clear, concrete examples of the issues at hand. Avoid vague statements and focus on specific behaviors or outcomes that need improvement. This helps the team member understand exactly what areas require attention and why.
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Sanjukta Bhattacharya🌍💹
Updapt- An ESG Tech Co🎯Business sustainability,Carbon Footprint,Climate Change✨Driving Sales 🚀🤝💵Growth✅SAAS based 🌿🌎ESG solution provider📝✨Sustainable Data Management
When giving feedback to a struggling sustainability team member, I focus on being specific. Vague comments can cause confusion, so I relate my feedback to specific projects or tasks. I provide clear examples of where improvements are needed, which helps them understand the context and see a clear path to meeting expectations. This approach ensures they know exactly what to work on and how to improve, making the feedback more effective and actionable.
After outlining the areas that need improvement, it's important to offer support and resources to help your team member overcome their challenges. This could involve additional training on sustainability concepts, more frequent check-ins, or pairing them with a mentor. Showing that you're invested in their success reinforces a positive team culture.
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Efrata Denny
My new book 'The Supply Chain Management Guide: Essential Strategies and Techniques' is now LIVE. Grab your copy here👇
Discuss actionable steps and provide resources or support that can help the team member improve. This could include additional training, mentoring, adjusting workloads, or setting up regular check-ins to monitor progress. Show your commitment to their development and success.
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Sanjukta Bhattacharya🌍💹
Updapt- An ESG Tech Co🎯Business sustainability,Carbon Footprint,Climate Change✨Driving Sales 🚀🤝💵Growth✅SAAS based 🌿🌎ESG solution provider📝✨Sustainable Data Management
When giving feedback to a struggling sustainability team member, I make sure to offer support after outlining areas for improvement. This could include additional training on sustainability concepts, more frequent check-ins, or pairing them with a mentor. Showing that I’m invested in their success not only helps them overcome challenges but also reinforces a positive team culture. My goal is to ensure they have the resources and support needed to improve and thrive.
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Anshul Yadav
Partner Vardan Envirolab - providing testing solutions in food, pharma, cosmetics and environment domains. Partner Vardan Environet, NABET accredited EIA consulting firm.
Discuss potential solutions and identify resources that could help them improve. For example, suggest relevant training programs, provide access to tools or materials they might need, or connect them with a mentor experienced in sustainability practices. Develop a clear improvement plan with specific, achievable goals. Show your commitment to their growth by checking in regularly and adjusting support as needed. This approach not only addresses the immediate issues but also boosts the team member's confidence and motivation to succeed.
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Eduard Anghel
Serial Entrepreneur| E-mobility⚡️🚗| Micromobility 🛴 | ESG Expert | Innovation🧠| Technology🔮|🔋Energy🌱| Smart City🌆 | C-Level | Futurist |
If a team member is having trouble grasping sustainability concepts, you could arrange for additional training sessions. This not only enhances their knowledge but also shows that you're committed to their development. Regular check-ins can make a big difference too. These aren't just about monitoring progress but are opportunities to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide encouragement. It creates a sense of ongoing support, which can be incredibly motivating. Pairing them with a mentor is another fantastic strategy. A mentor can offer personalized advice and share valuable insights from their own experience. This one-on-one relationship can build confidence and provide a more tailored approach to overcoming specific challenges.
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Gokul Shekar
TEDx Speaker | Public Speaker | Author | Climate Change Advocate | Sustainability | Renewable Energy | ESG | Carbon Credit Projects |
This could involve providing additional training on specific sustainability concepts, scheduling more frequent check-ins to track progress, or pairing them with a mentor who has expertise in the areas they struggle with. For instance, if they need help with sustainable supply chain management, you could arrange for them to shadow a colleague who excels in that area. Demonstrating that you're invested in their success not only addresses the immediate issues but also reinforces a positive team culture where continuous improvement and support are prioritized. This approach fosters a collaborative and growth-oriented environment, essential for driving long-term sustainability goals.
Feedback should be a two-way conversation. Encourage your team member to share their perspective on the challenges they're facing. They may have insights into systemic issues or personal obstacles that are affecting their performance. A dialogue can lead to collaborative solutions that benefit both the individual and the team's sustainability efforts.
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Eduard Anghel
Serial Entrepreneur| E-mobility⚡️🚗| Micromobility 🛴 | ESG Expert | Innovation🧠| Technology🔮|🔋Energy🌱| Smart City🌆 | C-Level | Futurist |
For example, a team member might be struggling with a particular process that is cumbersome or outdated. If they don’t feel comfortable voicing this, the issue persists and their performance may suffer. On the other hand, if they’re encouraged to speak up, you might discover that a small change could significantly improve efficiency and morale. This kind of dialogue can lead to collaborative solutions that not only help the individual but also enhance overall team performance and contribute to sustainable practices.
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Efrata Denny
My new book 'The Supply Chain Management Guide: Essential Strategies and Techniques' is now LIVE. Grab your copy here👇
Foster an open dialogue where the team member feels comfortable sharing their perspective. Listen actively to their concerns and challenges, and work together to identify solutions. This collaborative approach can help uncover underlying issues and create a more effective improvement plan.
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Sanjukta Bhattacharya🌍💹
Updapt- An ESG Tech Co🎯Business sustainability,Carbon Footprint,Climate Change✨Driving Sales 🚀🤝💵Growth✅SAAS based 🌿🌎ESG solution provider📝✨Sustainable Data Management
When giving feedback to a struggling sustainability team member, I encourage dialogue to make it a two-way conversation. I invite them to share their perspective on the challenges they're facing, as they may have insights into systemic issues or personal obstacles affecting their performance. This open communication can lead to collaborative solutions that benefit both the individual and the team's sustainability efforts. Engaging in dialogue ensures a more comprehensive and effective approach to improvement.
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Gokul Shekar
TEDx Speaker | Public Speaker | Author | Climate Change Advocate | Sustainability | Renewable Energy | ESG | Carbon Credit Projects |
Feedback should be a two-way conversation. Encourage your team member to share their perspective on the challenges they're facing. They may have insights into systemic issues or personal obstacles that are affecting their performance. By actively listening and engaging in a dialogue, you can uncover root causes that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, they might reveal that certain sustainability tools are difficult to use or that workload distribution is imbalanced. This collaborative approach not only helps in finding effective solutions but also makes the team member feel valued and understood. It creates a partnership in problem-solving, enhancing both individual and team performance in achieving sustainability goals.
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Alex Vasiliu
CMO
Encouraging dialogue is essential for effective feedback and team growth. When feedback becomes a two-way conversation, it opens the door to deeper understanding and problem-solving. Inviting team members to share their perspectives on challenges not only validates their experiences but also uncovers systemic issues or personal obstacles that might be hindering their performance. This collaborative approach fosters a culture of mutual respect and innovation. By addressing these insights together, teams can develop more sustainable and inclusive solutions that enhance both individual and organizational performance. Ultimately, dialogue transforms feedback from a monologue into a powerful tool for collective improvement.
Finally, it's crucial to follow up after the initial feedback conversation. Set a timeline for when you'll review progress together, and stick to it. This shows your team member that you're committed to their improvement and that their role in the team's sustainability mission is important. Regular check-ins also help keep goals on track and provide opportunities for ongoing support.
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Sanjukta Bhattacharya🌍💹
Updapt- An ESG Tech Co🎯Business sustainability,Carbon Footprint,Climate Change✨Driving Sales 🚀🤝💵Growth✅SAAS based 🌿🌎ESG solution provider📝✨Sustainable Data Management
When giving feedback to a struggling sustainability team member, I make sure to follow up after our initial conversation. I set a timeline for reviewing their progress and stick to it, showing my commitment to their improvement and reinforcing the importance of their role in our sustainability mission. Regular check-ins help keep goals on track and provide opportunities for ongoing support, ensuring they have the guidance they need to succeed. This consistent follow-up is key to their development and our team's success.
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Efrata Denny
My new book 'The Supply Chain Management Guide: Essential Strategies and Techniques' is now LIVE. Grab your copy here👇
Schedule regular follow-up meetings to review progress and provide ongoing support. Continuous feedback helps keep the team member on track and shows that you are invested in their growth. Adjust the action plan as necessary based on their progress and feedback.
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Alex Vasiliu
CMO
Following up after the initial feedback conversation is pivotal. Establishing a clear timeline for progress reviews reinforces your commitment to the team member’s development and underscores the significance of their contribution to the team's sustainability mission. Consistent check-ins not only ensure that goals remain on track but also offer continuous support and guidance. This ongoing engagement demonstrates that their growth is valued and integral to the team's success, fostering a culture of accountability and sustained improvement.
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Waheed ALFazari
LinkedIn Top Voice | Strategy & Sustainability Leader | Exploring unconventional concepts
When giving feedback to a struggling team member, be specific about the issues by describing the exact behavior or performance concern. Focus on actions, not personal traits, to keep the feedback constructive. Offer support by suggesting resources or training that could help them improve. Set clear, achievable goals and timelines to provide direction. Balance the feedback with positive comments, acknowledging their efforts and strengths. Encourage open communication, inviting them to share any challenges they are facing and assuring them of your support in overcoming these obstacles.
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Isobel Alice O'Connell, CPIR
Global ESG Leadership : Strategy & Disclosures : Business & Human Rights: Stakeholder Engagement : Board Advisory : Resilience, Change & Risk Management Advocate : Emerging & Post Conflict Markets
There are 10 qualities of exceptional feedback. 1) Sincere – mean what you’re saying, and avoid cliche 2) Clear – stay on topic and say what you mean 3) Timely – given when it’s important and fresh 4) Safe – avoids aggression and getting personal 5) Grounded – based only on facts and behaviours 6) Two-way – both sides have a voice in the discussion and agreeing outcomes 7) Important – it identifies a goal worth working towards, and is not a ‘nit-pick’ 8) Solution-focused – looks futurewards and solves a problem 9) Supported – make sure help and support are available 10) Ongoing – it’s not an isolated event that won’t be mentioned again
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Dr Prachi Jain
Founder @ Climate Corporate Solutions II PhD II Sustainable Consultant II Strategist II Speaker II Educator II Legal Advisor
To effectively give feedback to a struggling sustainability team member, it is mandatory to use a structured approach so that the feedback is given effectively and the team member doesn't feel demotivated. To achieve the above, one must begin the conversation by acknowledging the team member's strengths and contributions. This helps build confidence and sets a positive tone, slowly moving towards describing the specific performance issues by using concrete examples to illustrate your points. In addition to the above, explain how the performance issues are impacting the team, project, or organization. This would help the team members understand the importance of addressing the problems.
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Efrata Denny
My new book 'The Supply Chain Management Guide: Essential Strategies and Techniques' is now LIVE. Grab your copy here👇
Consider using a structured feedback framework like the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model to organize your thoughts and communicate clearly. Ensure that feedback is timely, given close to the events being discussed to be more relevant and impactful. Finally, recognize and celebrate improvements and successes to motivate the team member and reinforce positive changes.
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Jad DELLEL
Driving Business Sustainability from Leadership to Staff
There are few additional ideas: 1-Peer Feedback Sessions: Organize peer review sessions where team members can give and receive feedback in a structured, supportive environment. 2-Shadowing Opportunities: Arrange for the struggling member to shadow a high-performing colleague to learn best practices firsthand. 3-Gamified Learning: Implement gamification techniques, such as sustainability challenges or simulations, to make learning more engaging and competitive. 4-Anonymous Feedback : Use anonymous surveys or feedback tools to gather candid insights from the team about the struggling member’s performance. 5-Recognition Programs: Establish recognition programs that reward not only high performance but also significant improvement and effort.
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