Effective Feedback
Effective Feedback
Some of the most important information we can receive from others is feedback related to our behavior. Feedback can provide learning opportunities for each of us if we can use the observations and reactions of others to become more aware of the consequences of our behavior. Personal feedback can help us become more aware of what we do, how we do it, and how it affects others - which can help us modify behaviors and become more effective in our interactions with others. Giving and receiving feedback requires courage, skill, understanding, and respect for self and others.
Feedback is only useful to the extent that it promotes individual and/or organizational actions directed toward change and problem solving. The ability of feedback to serve such energizing functions depends on both the content of the feedback and the process by which the information is fed back.
You will be more effective in giving feedback when you:
1. Are specific, rather than general
2. Deal with descriptions of observed behavior of the receiver, rather than inferences, attributions, or evaluations (and focus the descriptions in terms of "more or less" rather than "either-or")
3. Report your reactions and the impact on you, rather than labeling the characteristic or attributing intentions of the receiver
4. "Own" the feedback, rather than attribute it to a third party (e.g., use "I statements")
5. Speak directly with the person for whom your feedback is intended
6. Are timely in dealing promptly with current or recent behaviors, rather than delaying
7. Deal only with behavior that the receiver can change
8. Provide feedback in moderation - limit your feedback to important points and an amount that the receiver can realistically process at one time, rather than "dumping everything" in one sitting
9. Provide feedback that is verifiable...
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