Employees are great to have around. They’re the ones who are helping your business soar, producing great work and keeping your customers happy.

Darn it, though, they’re human. They mess up sometimes, and it’s your problem to get them back on track. You want to be fair but tough, but not so tough that you demoralize them.

Great feedback comes when the employee knows why you’re giving it, understands what you’re saying and is inspired to change. If you’re only communicating when you’ve noticed a problem, you’re too late. You have to prepare by creating the right expectations up front:

• Here’s what your job is.

• Here’s how I will judge your success in the job.

• Here’s what you can expect from me for support, advice and feedback.

All of the above is mostly just telling, not listening. But if an employee is to be open to hearing your feedback when the need arises, you need to form a real basis for a trusting relationship. The discussion needs to continue:

• It’s important for us to be honest with each other.

• I need to hear about issues before they become big