We all have heard the saying “communication is the key to success”. We tend to overlook the fact that effective feedback plays a major role in both our professional and personal lives. Feedback in the form of affirmations and criticisms tend to improve the overall performance of individuals. However, we all know that it is easier to give and receive affirmations or appreciations rather than to give out criticisms. It is a tricky situation that can become awkward or even lead to a heated argument. Feedback can strengthen a relationship, build trust, show support, and improve the quality of work and life for the individual and everyone around him/her (Petersen, 2015).
Therefore, it is important to understand and equip yourself with the skills to be able to provide and accept constructive feedback. Effective listening consists of openness, encouragement, acknowledgement, and reflection. The following suggestions can be followed to enhance your skills of providing and receiving constructive feedback.
Delivering Feedback
· Have a private meeting and start with affirmations.
· Be humble and empathetic towards the individual.
· Provide feedback regarding the behaviour not about the kind of person they are/their personality. Cite examples.
· Describe the effect/impact their behaviour had on you, as only You know how it made you feel or what you thought.
· Use I statements: “I liked what you did” “I felt hurt when you said that”.
· Be specific, realistic and focus on the issue at hand. Avoid bringing in unnecessary or past details.
· Give regular feedback promptly, avoid delaying it a lot.
· Understand the emotional intelligence and identify the emotional state of the individual before providing them with feedback.
· Explain your expectations and the consequences if a mutual understanding is not reached.
· Provide suggestions and be willing to help the individual.
· Identify and state their strengths and positive to improve the morale and confidence of the individual(Seiter, 2018; “Giving and Receiving”, n.d & “Receiving & Giving”, n.d).
Receiving Feedback
· Be open-minded & accepting.
· Use active listening
· Identify and understand nonverbal communication.
· Clarify and reflect on the feedback.
· Avoid being defensive.
· Be aware of your emotions and feelings.
· Have good self-control.
· Have a growth mindset.
· Identify your developmental areas and take accountability for your errors.
· Follow up with the individual and ask for regular feedback.
· Thank the individual for giving the feedback(Seiter, 2018; “Giving and Receiving”, n.d & “Receiving & Giving”, n.d).
References
(n.d.). Giving and Receiving Feedback. Skillsyouneed. Retrieved from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/feedback.html
(n.d). Receiving and Giving Effective Feedback. Centre for Teaching Excellence, University of Waterloo.Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/assessing-student-work/grading-and-feedback/receiving-and-giving-effective-feedback
Petersen, D. (2015, July 24). How to Get Better at Giving (and Receiving) Feedback Good constructive criticism takes practice.Inc. Retrieved from https://www.inc.com/stanford-business/how-to-get-better-at-giving-and-receiving-feedback.html
Seiter, C. (2018, May 9). How to give and receive feedback at work: the psychology of criticism.Buffer. Retrieved from https:/ https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/assessing-student-work/grading-and-feedback/receiving-and-giving-effective-feedback/buffer.com/resources/how-to-give-receive-feedback-work/
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