Giving and Receiving Feedback - Part II

Part I of this posting discussed 3 ways to receive feedback.  As you grow in your career due to all that great feedback that you are able to receive so gracefully, you'll likely have the opportunity to give feedback to others as well.  Here are some ideas to consider:

Here's how to give feedback as a gift and profit from it:

1 - Always start with what's working. Your main job, whether you're giving feedback to your kids, the guy who's painting your living room or somebody who works for you, is to motivate them. People can't hear your suggestion for how to improve if they don't think you already appreciate the good stuff they're doing.

2 - State clearly what's not working. Once you've positively reinforced the person, explain in detail the area you'd like to see improved. Be sure to give them the impression that you're confident that they can make the changes you're recommending.

3 - Determine what's missing that can be supplied. If a different approach to the project, the client or even the homework is needed, brainstorm how you can put your heads together to make that happen. Come up with a solution you can be enthusiastic about. Commit to providing all the support you can.

Here's the bottom line: Feedback is a gift. Treat it that way. When you're getting it, remember that you don't have to be perfect. You do have to be willing to change. When you're giving it, remember to be a motivator and a coach, not a disciplinarian or a critic. You'll be amazed at the results you produce.

 

Comments

[Jackie Cameron]

2 great posts Peggy. I agree - always start with a positive. In our speaking programme we teach the youngsters the feedback sandwich - what was good, suggest what could be different, finish with encouragement.

To reinforce what you say in your final paragraph - there is no such thing as "constructive criticism" - so in a feedback context don't be a critic!

[Chris Young]

Great set of posts Peggy! While most will agree that feedback is critical, many forget that how one receives feedback is just as important as how one gives feedback.

This is great info for any up and coming manager!

I've shared your post with my readers in my weekly Rainmaker 'Fab Five' blog picks of the week which can be found here: http://www.maximizepossibility.com/employee_retention/2009/01/the-rainmaker-fab-five-blog-picks-of-the-week.html