Whether in the form of praise or constructive criticism, feedback plays a key role in the success of any employer, employee, and workplace. It provides an opportunity to celebrate strengths and boost morale, as well as the space to learn more about ourselves, each other, and how we can improve.
No matter your experience level or role, here are some helpful tips on how to give and receive feedback effectively at work!
How to Give Feedback at Work
We can often associate providing feedback as a negative action, but this isn't always the case! Giving feedback to your co-workers and employees is a positive action that can inspire growth and improvement. If approached incorrectly, however, feedback can leave the person on the receiving end feeling dejected and unmotivated. Make sure to put yourself in the other person's shoes and try using a few of these proven approaches for providing feedback:
Keep the focus on performance, not personality
Keep your feedback compassionate by addressing the problem in question without using language that may sound accusatory towards the individual. Try to avoid using “you” in your approach, and instead integrate “I” when discussing the issue. This can help the individual feel like they aren’t being centered out and that both of you can be part of a reasonable solution.
Example: “I’ve noticed you haven’t turned in the project on time. Is there something I need to know about?”
Use the “compliment sandwich” approach
Balancing the content of the feedback will be key to delivering a delicate message. The sandwich approach starts with a positive comment, followed by some constructive criticism, before ending with another positive.
Example: “You’ve been really great at taking on extra work when needed! A bit more attention to detail is needed when putting together your spreadsheets as there have been some errors, but overall, we’ve been happy with your performance and would love to see you grow with our organization.”
Make the conversation a two-way street
Once you've shared your feedback, make sure to open up the conversation — otherwise you risk the individual becoming defensive or even tuning you out. Integrating follow-up questions and asking them what they think of your feedback makes it clear that you’re willing to hear their thoughts and work together to find a solution.
Be timely
Feedback should be given in a timely fashion and addressed promptly for maximum impact. Delayed feedback can lead to feelings of resentment and distrust among employees if the opportunity for improvement has passed them by. Timely feedback will give the person an opportunity to improve upon what's in question while it's still fresh!
Acknowledge improvement
Instead of treating the feedback as a one-time conversation, acknowledge improvement when you see it. This will motivate employees to continue to strive for improvement and feel appreciated in their progress being acknowledged.
How to Receive Feedback at Work
Depending on what kind of feedback you receive, you may be left feeling either elated or dejected — here’s how you can effectively receive feedback that will make you reflect rather than wallow:
Actively listen
It’s easy to get caught up in the negative aspects of receiving feedback. Take the time to actively listen (on both and micro and macro level) to what’s being said, and think of any follow up questions that may arise for better clarity on the information being presented to you.
Use feedback as a growth opportunity
We all make mistakes, but it’s how we learn from those mistakes which will make or break our career trajectory. Whether the feedback you receive is positive or negative in nature, it’s always good to see feedback as an opportunity of growth. If the feedback was unflattering, use it as a chance to not repeat the same mistakes and grow from your new learnings. If the feedback was positive, build upon what you’re doing right!
Reflect and process
Take the time to reflect on what was said and the feedback you received. Hone in on ways you can take ownership for your actions and write down ways you can improve or work towards an end goal. Writing down a course of action is also a great way to help you clarify the path to future success.
Follow up
Once you’ve had time to reflect on the feedback you’ve received, make sure to follow up on any questions you may have. Asking for further ways to improve or clarification on what was said lets your superiors know that you’re actively listening.
Ask for feedback
Not all staff will automatically make time to provide feedback. Regularly asking for feedback on your work will not only demonstrate initiative, but it will give you the tools necessary to produce better work in the future!
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