This is a training exercise to demonstrate the importance of giving employees positive feedback. Complete instructions can be found at: http://www.hrbartender.com/images/GolfBallActivity.pdf

1. Let’s Play
Find the Golf Ball

3. Silence
• Please remain completely silent and
motionless.
• Do not look or give any hints to the location of
the golf ball.

4. Negative Feedback
• Please give negative feedback no matter how
close or far away the participant is away from the
ball. Examples:
– Really?!
– Are you kidding me?!
– We don’t have all day!
– Etc.
• Give the type of feedback you might hear back in
the workplace.
• Do not respond to any requests for direction or
assistance.

5. Positive Feedback
• Give positive but non specific feedback.
Examples:
– Attaboy!
– Way to go!
– I really like your enthusiasm.
– Etc.
• No matter how close or far away the
participant is from the ball.

6. Specific Feedback
• Provide specific hints and suggestions for
finding the ball without giving it away.
Examples:
– Colder, warmer, hotter
– You can respond to yes or no questions.

7. Debrief Time

8. 1. How did you feel while looking for the ball?
2. What did you think/feel as a result of the feedback you
received?
3. How did the feedback you received affect your
performance?
4. What did the feedback you received prompt you to
think/feel about the other people in the room giving it?
5. If this was the type of feedback that you received every
day, how do you think it would impact your desire and or
ability to keep yourself and your teammates motivated?
6. How did some of you feel giving the different types of
feedback?