Supervision in the Hospitality Industry- AHLEI Practice Test

When coaching employees, a supervisor should avoid which of the following actions?

1. Provide positive feedback

2. Provide corrective feedback

3. Criticize the employee

4. Write notes for follow-up

The correct answer is: Criticize the employee

In the context of effective coaching, a supervisor's goal is to foster a positive and productive learning environment. The correct focus is on building the employee's confidence and skills. Criticizing the employee can create a defensive atmosphere, hinder communication, and negatively impact morale. Constructive feedback should be delivered in a way that helps employees understand areas for improvement without belittling or demotivating them. Positive feedback helps to reinforce good performance and motivate employees, while corrective feedback guides employees on how to improve their skills. Writing notes for follow-up ensures accountability and helps track progress. Thus, while all coaching strategies must be carefully considered, criticism that is not constructive can undermine the coaching process, making it essential to approach feedback with sensitivity and an aim towards growth rather than blame.