Feedback is, by definition, a responsive communication. Coaching is an ongoing series of responses to the performance of the person being coached. Giving feedback is the core competency of every coach. According to our research, the FASTer the feedback, the better the coach. F.A.S.T. is an acronym that stands for frequent, accurate, specific and timely. These are the elements employees most often ascribe to feedback they receive from managers whom they describe as “the best manager I’ve ever had.” These are also the four elements employees most often say they need, but don’t get, in the feedback they receive from managers. You’ll see why if we take a closer look at each of the FAST elements:  
(F)requent: Each employee has his/her own unique frequency. Giving each employee feedback at his/her unique frequency is the key behavior of the best coaching-style managers. Identifying and tuning-in to each employee’s frequency is the corresponding skill.

(A)ccurate: Every instance of feedback affects trust and performance. Giving feedback that is correct, balanced, and appropriate is the key behavior. Stopping to reflect, question assumptions, check facts, and rehearse is the corresponding skill.

(S)pecific: Telling people exactly what they do right and exactly what they do wrong is not specific enough. Telling people exactly what you want them to do next is the key behavior. Setting concrete goals and deadlines with clear guidelines is the corresponding skill.

(T)imely: The closer feedback comes in proximity to the performance in question, the more impact the feedback will have. Giving feedback immediately is the key behavior. Effective time management is the corresponding skill.

Over the last several years I have shared the FAST Feedback approach with thousands of business leaders in speeches all over the world and in my work with many of our Fortune 500 clients. Because so many people have asked for more resources to implement FAST Feedback, we are pleased to announce that HRD Press is releasing the second edition of FAST Feedback™ (HRD Press, 1999) the first week of April, and in May a four and a half hour multi-media training program, FAST Feedback™—Coaching Skills for Managers. Please call us for more information.