What should effective supervisors focus on when providing criticism to employees?

Focusing on the work process when providing criticism is essential for several reasons. Primarily, it helps to separate the individual's identity from their performance, allowing the employee to understand that the feedback is not a personal attack but rather an opportunity for improvement within a specific context. By addressing the work process, supervisors can point out the precise areas that may need adjustment, providing actionable insights that can lead to enhanced performance.

Additionally, this approach encourages employees to reflect on their techniques and methods, promoting professional growth. When attention is directed towards processes rather than personal attributes, it cultivates a positive work environment where employees feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. This ultimately enhances productivity and leads to better outcomes for the team as a whole.

The other options do not encapsulate the ideal focus for feedback. Concentrating on the employee themselves might lead to defensiveness, while emphasizing overall team performance can dilute the focus needed for individual growth. Lastly, referencing company policies might be useful for context but does not directly facilitate improvement in the employee's performance related to their specific work process.