Effective feedback is specific information—good or bad—about a performed task. 

 Positive behavior changes will start to occur when you move from general feedback to specific feedback.

 For example, compare these comments made by a manager:

“Good job, Mike.” (Good job on what? This comment is vague and flimsy.)

“I certainly appreciate the way you chaired the meeting today, Mike. You were enthusiastic and prepared.” (This is actual matter from which Mike can spring forward, and you can bet that from now on he will always be “enthusiastic and prepared.”)

 If one hears enough times a definitive statement of high regard for their performance in a precise way, the behavior is guaranteed to be repeated.