I noticed that I focus more on negative feedback than on positive feedback both addressed to myself or other people.

Researches suggest to focus on positive reinforcements (see Reinforcements and punishment). Although feedback and reinforcements are different concepts (see Motivation - Definitions), positive feedback are a way to give positive reinforcements.

But is it always true that positive feedback are better? In the article Positive versus negative feedback that refers to the research How Positive and Negative Feedback Motivate Goal Pursuit is suggested that the answer to the question depends on the level of expertise of the person to whom you’re giving feedback.

Novices are more likely to be motivated after receiving a positive feedback, while experts are more likely to be motivated after receiving a negative feedback.

This does not mean that you should never tell a novice about their mistakes or that you should never praise an expert for their work.

Negative feedback should be given with tact as indicated here.

One reason why I tend to focus on negative feedback vs positive feedback is that I tend to be a perfectionist. Therefore I consider doing the right thing normal and that it is not necessary giving positive feedback when the right thing is done.

It is better to balance positive and negative feedback depending on the situation and the person to whom you are giving the feedback.

Related Questions:

Related Topics:

• Motivation

References

• Positive versus negative feedback | 2024 | Jennifer Jordan for International Institute for Management Development
• How Positive and Negative Feedback Motivate Goal Pursuit | 2010 | A Fishbach, T Eyal, SR Finkelstein