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Critical feedback, delivered frequently and expertly, can be a game changer - it can turn average performers into the hardest workers and stars into superstars. But fear of hurt feelings and awkward conversations often lead managers to hold back from offering crucial insights. According to recent studies, 44 per cent of managers dread giving feedback, while 65 per cent of employees wish their managers gave more.

In Let's Talk, Dr Therese Huston shows how to give constructive feedback skilfully and with confidence. She argues that to give evaluations that employees take to heart, you first need to find out what kind of feedback your employees want most. Do they want to be appreciated, coached or evaluated? All three are important, but if you deliver the kind of feedback each person craves, they are more likely to hear what you have to say and step up their game.

Huston offers highly practical and uncomplicated strategies to turn painful assessments into productive conversations, from how to best state your intentions and the importance of taking the other person's side, to why we need to give employees the chance to respond and be listened to. This handbook will offer the tools to help managers improve performance, trust and morale and make a once-dreaded task feel natural.