The Dos and Don’ts of Providing Feedback

How you give and receive feedback is crucial for your and other’s growth and development. How can you ensure this process remains constructive and fosters a positive environment for learning? 

Here are some dos and don’ts:

Dos:

• Be Human: Before initiating feedback, consider the individual’s perspective. Approach the conversation with empathy, aiming for a productive and healthy dialogue that respects the other person’s feelings and point of view.
• Adopt a Coaching Approach: Encourage self-reflection by initiating an open conversation. Allow the person to self-identify areas for improvement, creating an empowering environment for change and growth. Be curious here, ask open questions for a production conversation and the best outcomes.
• Specific and Objective Feedback: Offer feedback that is clear, specific, and unbiased, backed by concrete examples or situations. Objective feedback ensures a constructive conversation and eliminates subjective criticism.
• Focus on Behavior, Not Personality: Maintain a supportive tone by addressing actions and outcomes rather than personal attributes. This approach promotes a positive atmosphere for change without triggering defensiveness.
• Conclude with an Action Plan: Ensure clarity and understanding by establishing clear next steps and setting a follow-up meeting to provide support and check progress.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Generalizations: Steer clear of vague statements that lack impact and clarity, as they can dilute the effectiveness of your feedback.
• Refrain from Blame: Foster accountability and a solution-oriented approach instead of assigning blame, as this can lead to defensiveness and hinder progress.
• Don’t Make Assumptions: Base your feedback on facts rather than assumptions or hearsay. Seek clarification and understanding through open dialogue and inquiry.

Effective feedback, when approached with care and openness, serves as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth, fostering an environment where learning and improvement are celebrated. To book a training session, click here to fill out our contact form.