The Matt Cohler Benchmark is a set of guidelines for performance evaluation and feedback that was developed by former Google executive Matt Cohler. The benchmark is designed to help managers provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance. The benchmark consists of five key elements:
- Clarity: Feedback should be clear and easy to understand. It should be specific and actionable, and it should focus on the employee's behavior rather than their personality.
- Frequency: Feedback should be given frequently, both positive and negative. Regular feedback helps employees to stay on track and to make necessary adjustments to their performance.
- Objectivity: Feedback should be objective and based on facts. It should not be influenced by personal biases or preferences.
- Timeliness: Feedback should be given as close to the event as possible. This helps employees to remember the context of the feedback and to make the necessary changes to their behavior.
- Actionable: Feedback should be actionable. It should provide employees with specific steps that they can take to improve their performance.
The Matt Cohler Benchmark has been widely adopted by businesses of all sizes. It is a valuable tool for managers who want to provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance.
In addition to the five key elements listed above, the Matt Cohler Benchmark also emphasizes the importance of:
- Creating a culture of feedback: Feedback should be a regular part of the workplace culture. It should be encouraged and welcomed by both managers and employees.
- Training managers on how to give feedback: Managers need to be trained on how to give feedback effectively. This training should cover the five key elements of the Matt Cohler Benchmark, as well as other best practices for giving feedback.
- Using feedback to improve performance: Feedback should be used to help employees improve their performance. Managers should work with employees to develop action plans that will help them achieve their goals.
Matt Cohler Benchmark
The Matt Cohler Benchmark is a set of guidelines for performance evaluation and feedback that was developed by former Google executive Matt Cohler. The benchmark is designed to help managers provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance. The benchmark consists of eight key aspects:
- Clarity
- Frequency
- Objectivity
- Timeliness
- Actionability
- Culture of feedback
- Manager training
- Performance improvement
These eight aspects are essential for providing effective feedback. Clarity ensures that feedback is easy to understand and specific. Frequency ensures that feedback is given regularly, so that employees can stay on track and make necessary adjustments. Objectivity ensures that feedback is based on facts and not on personal biases. Timeliness ensures that feedback is given as close to the event as possible, so that employees can remember the context of the feedback. Actionability ensures that feedback provides employees with specific steps that they can take to improve their performance. Culture of feedback ensures that feedback is a regular part of the workplace culture and is encouraged and welcomed by both managers and employees. Manager training ensures that managers are trained on how to give feedback effectively. Performance improvement ensures that feedback is used to help employees improve their performance.
The Matt Cohler Benchmark is a valuable tool for managers who want to provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance. By following the eight key aspects of the benchmark, managers can create a culture of feedback that will help their employees to succeed.
1. Clarity
Clarity is an essential aspect of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. It ensures that feedback is easy to understand and specific. This is important because feedback that is not clear can be confusing and frustrating for employees, and it can make it difficult for them to improve their performance. For example, if a manager tells an employee that they need to "improve their communication skills," the employee may not know what specific behaviors they need to change. However, if the manager provides clear feedback, such as "I would like you to start using more specific examples in your presentations," the employee will know exactly what they need to do to improve.
Clarity is also important for building trust between managers and employees. When employees understand the feedback they are receiving, they are more likely to trust that their manager is giving them accurate and helpful information. This trust is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment.
There are a number of things that managers can do to improve the clarity of their feedback. First, they should make sure that their feedback is specific and actionable. Second, they should avoid using jargon or technical terms that the employee may not understand. Third, they should provide examples to illustrate their feedback. Finally, they should check for understanding by asking the employee to repeat back what they have heard.
Clarity is an essential aspect of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. By providing clear feedback, managers can help employees to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
2. Frequency
Frequency is an important aspect of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. It ensures that feedback is given regularly, so that employees can stay on track and make necessary adjustments to their performance. Without regular feedback, employees may not be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and they may not be able to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
For example, if a manager only gives feedback to an employee once a year, the employee may not be able to remember what they did well or what they need to improve on. However, if the manager provides feedback more frequently, such as once a month or once a week, the employee will be able to stay on track and make necessary adjustments to their performance.
There are a number of benefits to providing feedback frequently. First, it helps employees to stay motivated and focused. When employees know that they are receiving regular feedback, they are more likely to put in the effort to improve their performance. Second, frequent feedback helps employees to identify and correct problems early on. This can prevent small problems from becoming big problems. Third, frequent feedback helps employees to build trust with their managers. When employees know that their managers are invested in their success, they are more likely to be open to feedback and to take steps to improve their performance.
There are a number of ways that managers can provide feedback more frequently. One way is to have regular check-in meetings with employees. These meetings can be used to discuss the employee's progress, to provide feedback, and to set goals for the future. Another way to provide feedback more frequently is to use informal channels, such as email or instant messaging. This can be a quick and easy way to provide employees with feedback on their work.
Frequency is an essential aspect of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. By providing feedback frequently, managers can help employees to stay on track, to identify and correct problems early on, and to build trust.
3. Objectivity
Objectivity is a fundamental principle of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. It ensures that feedback is based on facts and not on personal biases or preferences. This is important because feedback that is not objective can be unfair and inaccurate, and it can damage the trust between managers and employees.
- Using Specific Examples: Feedback should be based on specific examples of the employee's behavior. This helps to ensure that the feedback is objective and that the employee understands what they need to do to improve. For example, instead of saying "You're not a good communicator," a manager could say "I noticed that you didn't make eye contact with the audience during your presentation."
- Avoiding Personal Attacks: Feedback should not be personal or judgmental. It should focus on the employee's behavior, not on their personality. For example, instead of saying "You're lazy," a manager could say "I've noticed that you're not meeting your deadlines."
- Being Fair and Consistent: Feedback should be fair and consistent. Managers should not give different feedback to different employees for the same behavior. For example, if a manager gives positive feedback to one employee for being on time, they should also give positive feedback to other employees who are on time.
- Avoiding Bias: Feedback should not be biased in favor of or against a particular employee. Managers should be aware of their own biases and take steps to avoid letting them influence their feedback.
Objectivity is essential for providing fair and accurate feedback. By following the principles of objectivity, managers can create a culture of trust and respect in the workplace.
4. Timeliness
Timeliness is a critical component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. It ensures that feedback is given as close to the event as possible, so that employees can remember the context of the feedback and make the necessary changes to their behavior. When feedback is not timely, it can be difficult for employees to understand what they did wrong and how they can improve.
For example, if a manager waits a week to give an employee feedback on a presentation, the employee may not be able to remember the specific details of the presentation. As a result, the employee may not be able to identify the areas that need improvement. However, if the manager gives the employee feedback immediately after the presentation, the employee will be able to remember the context of the feedback and make the necessary changes to their behavior.
Timeliness is also important for building trust between managers and employees. When employees know that they will receive feedback in a timely manner, they are more likely to trust that their manager is invested in their success. This trust is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment.
There are a number of ways that managers can provide feedback in a timely manner. One way is to have regular check-in meetings with employees. These meetings can be used to discuss the employee's progress, to provide feedback, and to set goals for the future. Another way to provide feedback in a timely manner is to use informal channels, such as email or instant messaging. This can be a quick and easy way to provide employees with feedback on their work.
Timeliness is an essential component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. By providing feedback in a timely manner, managers can help employees to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
5. Actionability
Actionability is a central tenet of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. It ensures that feedback is actionable, providing employees with specific steps that they can take to improve their performance. Without actionable feedback, employees may not know what they need to do to improve, and they may not be able to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
- Clarity: Actionable feedback is clear and easy to understand. It should be specific and focused on the employee's behavior, not their personality. For example, instead of saying "You need to be more assertive," a manager could say "I would like you to start speaking up more in meetings."
- Specificity: Actionable feedback is specific and provides employees with concrete steps that they can take to improve their performance. For example, instead of saying "You need to improve your communication skills," a manager could say "I would like you to start using more specific examples in your presentations."
- Relevance: Actionable feedback is relevant to the employee's job and career goals. It should be tailored to the employee's individual needs and development areas. For example, a manager could provide feedback on an employee's presentation skills if the employee is aspiring to become a team lead.
- Timeliness: Actionable feedback is timely and provided as close to the event as possible. This ensures that the employee can remember the context of the feedback and make the necessary changes to their behavior. For example, a manager could provide feedback on an employee's presentation immediately after the presentation, while the employee's memory of the event is still fresh.
Actionability is an essential component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. By providing actionable feedback, managers can help employees to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
6. Culture of feedback
A culture of feedback is an essential component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. It ensures that feedback is a regular part of the workplace culture and is encouraged and welcomed by both managers and employees. This is important because feedback is essential for employee development and improvement. Without a culture of feedback, employees may not be aware of their strengths and weaknesses, and they may not be able to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
There are a number of benefits to creating a culture of feedback. First, it helps to create a positive and productive work environment. When employees know that they will receive regular feedback, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged. Second, a culture of feedback helps to build trust between managers and employees. When employees know that their managers are invested in their success, they are more likely to be open to feedback and to take steps to improve their performance. Third, a culture of feedback helps to improve employee performance. When employees receive regular feedback, they are more likely to identify and correct problems early on. This can help to prevent small problems from becoming big problems.
There are a number of things that managers can do to create a culture of feedback. First, they should make sure that feedback is a regular part of the workplace culture. This means providing feedback to employees on a regular basis, both positive and negative. Second, managers should make sure that feedback is given in a constructive and supportive manner. Feedback should be focused on helping employees to improve their performance, not on punishing them. Third, managers should create a safe space for employees to receive feedback. Employees should feel comfortable talking to their managers about their performance and asking for feedback. Fourth, managers should be open to receiving feedback from employees. This shows employees that their feedback is valued and that their opinions matter.
A culture of feedback is an essential component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. By creating a culture of feedback, managers can help to improve employee performance, build trust, and create a positive and productive work environment.
7. Manager training
Manager training is a critical component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. It ensures that managers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to provide effective feedback to their employees. Without proper training, managers may not be able to provide clear, actionable, and timely feedback. This can lead to employees feeling confused, frustrated, and unmotivated.
There are a number of benefits to providing manager training on feedback. First, it helps managers to understand the importance of feedback and how to give it effectively. Second, it helps managers to develop the skills and knowledge they need to provide feedback in a way that is clear, actionable, and timely. Third, it helps managers to create a culture of feedback in their workplace, where feedback is seen as a positive and valuable tool for employee development.
There are a number of different ways to provide manager training on feedback. One common approach is to use a combination of classroom training and on-the-job training. Classroom training can provide managers with the theoretical knowledge they need to understand feedback, while on-the-job training can provide them with the opportunity to practice giving feedback in a real-world setting.
Regardless of the approach that is used, manager training is an essential component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. By providing managers with the skills and knowledge they need to give effective feedback, organizations can help to create a culture of feedback that will lead to improved employee performance.
Real-life example
One real-life example of the importance of manager training on feedback comes from Google. Google has a long history of providing manager training on feedback, and it is one of the reasons why Google is consistently ranked as one of the best places to work. Google's manager training program includes a combination of classroom training and on-the-job training. The classroom training provides managers with the theoretical knowledge they need to understand feedback, while the on-the-job training provides them with the opportunity to practice giving feedback in a real-world setting.
Google's manager training program has been very successful in helping Google to create a culture of feedback. Google employees are known for being open to feedback and for using feedback to improve their performance. This has led to Google being a highly successful company, with a reputation for innovation and excellence.
Conclusion
Manager training is an essential component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. By providing managers with the skills and knowledge they need to give effective feedback, organizations can help to create a culture of feedback that will lead to improved employee performance.
8. Performance improvement
Performance improvement is a key component of the Matt Cohler Benchmark. It ensures that feedback is used to help employees improve their performance. This is important because feedback is not just about telling employees what they are doing wrong. It is also about helping them to understand how they can improve their performance and achieve their goals.
- Goal Setting: The first step to performance improvement is to set clear and achievable goals. These goals should be aligned with the employee's individual development plan and the overall goals of the organization. Once goals have been set, the manager and employee can work together to develop a plan to achieve them.
- Regular Feedback: Regular feedback is essential for performance improvement. Feedback should be specific, actionable, and timely. It should also be delivered in a constructive and supportive manner. Regular feedback helps employees to stay on track and to make necessary adjustments to their performance.
- Coaching and Mentoring: Coaching and mentoring can be valuable tools for performance improvement. Coaching provides employees with the opportunity to receive one-on-one support and guidance from a more experienced colleague. Mentoring provides employees with the opportunity to learn from and network with a more senior leader in the organization.
- Training and Development: Training and development opportunities can help employees to improve their skills and knowledge. These opportunities can include attending workshops, taking courses, or working on special projects.
Performance improvement is an ongoing process. It requires commitment from both the employee and the manager. By following the principles of the Matt Cohler Benchmark, organizations can create a culture of performance improvement that will lead to improved employee performance and organizational success.
FAQs on the Matt Cohler Benchmark
The Matt Cohler Benchmark is a set of guidelines for performance evaluation and feedback that was developed by former Google executive Matt Cohler. The benchmark is designed to help managers provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance.
Question 1: What are the key elements of the Matt Cohler Benchmark?
Answer: The Matt Cohler Benchmark consists of eight key elements: clarity, frequency, objectivity, timeliness, actionability, culture of feedback, manager training, and performance improvement.
Question 2: Why is clarity important in feedback?
Answer: Clarity is important in feedback because it ensures that employees understand what they are doing well and what they need to improve on. Clear feedback is specific, actionable, and focused on the employee's behavior, not on their personality.
Question 3: How should feedback be given?
Answer: Feedback should be given frequently, both positive and negative. Regular feedback helps employees to stay on track and to make necessary adjustments to their performance. Feedback should be given as close to the event as possible, so that employees can remember the context of the feedback and make the necessary changes to their behavior.
Question 4: How can managers create a culture of feedback?
Answer: Managers can create a culture of feedback by making feedback a regular part of the workplace culture. This means providing feedback to employees on a regular basis, both positive and negative. Managers should also make sure that feedback is given in a constructive and supportive manner. Feedback should be focused on helping employees to improve their performance, not on punishing them.
Question 5: Why is manager training on feedback important?
Answer: Manager training on feedback is important because it helps managers to understand the importance of feedback and how to give it effectively. Without proper training, managers may not be able to provide clear, actionable, and timely feedback. This can lead to employees feeling confused, frustrated, and unmotivated.
Question 6: How can feedback be used to improve performance?
Answer: Feedback can be used to improve performance by helping employees to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Feedback can also help employees to set goals and develop plans to achieve them. Regular feedback, coaching, and mentoring can all help employees to improve their performance and achieve their goals.
The Matt Cohler Benchmark is a valuable tool for managers who want to provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance. By following the eight key elements of the benchmark, managers can create a culture of feedback that will lead to improved employee performance and organizational success.
To learn more about the Matt Cohler Benchmark, please visit the following resources:
- Google search results for "matt cohler benchmark"
- Forbes article on the Matt Cohler Benchmark
- Harvard Business Review article on the feedback fallacy
Tips on the Matt Cohler Benchmark
The Matt Cohler Benchmark is a set of guidelines for performance evaluation and feedback that was developed by former Google executive Matt Cohler. The benchmark is designed to help managers provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance.
Here are five tips for using the Matt Cohler Benchmark:
Tip 1: Make feedback clear and specific.
Feedback should be clear and easy to understand. It should be specific and focused on the employee's behavior, not on their personality. For example, instead of saying "You're not a good communicator," a manager could say "I would like you to start using more specific examples in your presentations."
Tip 2: Give feedback frequently.
Feedback should be given frequently, both positive and negative. Regular feedback helps employees to stay on track and to make necessary adjustments to their performance. For example, a manager could provide feedback to an employee on a weekly or monthly basis.
Tip 3: Be objective and fair.
Feedback should be objective and based on facts, not on personal biases or preferences. It should be fair and consistent, and it should be delivered in a respectful and supportive manner.
Tip 4: Give feedback in a timely manner.
Feedback should be given as close to the event as possible, so that employees can remember the context of the feedback and make the necessary changes to their behavior. For example, a manager could provide feedback to an employee immediately after a presentation or meeting.
Tip 5: Make feedback actionable.
Feedback should be actionable, providing employees with specific steps that they can take to improve their performance. For example, instead of saying "You need to be more assertive," a manager could say "I would like you to start speaking up more in meetings."
By following these tips, managers can use the Matt Cohler Benchmark to provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance and achieve their goals.
Conclusion
The Matt Cohler Benchmark is a valuable tool for managers who want to provide clear, actionable feedback that can help employees improve their performance. By following the eight key elements of the benchmark, managers can create a culture of feedback that will lead to improved employee performance and organizational success.
The key points of the Matt Cohler Benchmark are as follows:
- Clarity: Feedback should be clear and easy to understand.
- Frequency: Feedback should be given frequently, both positive and negative.
- Objectivity: Feedback should be objective and based on facts, not on personal biases or preferences.
- Timeliness: Feedback should be given as close to the event as possible.
- Actionability: Feedback should be actionable, providing employees with specific steps that they can take to improve their performance.
- Culture of feedback: Feedback should be a regular part of the workplace culture.
- Manager training: Managers should be trained on how to give feedback effectively.
- Performance improvement: Feedback should be used to help employees improve their performance.
By following these key points, managers can create a culture of feedback that will help their employees to succeed.