Here's how you can effectively give feedback in the IT Operations field.

It's really important for everyone to know what they're supposed to do. Each person should understand their job and get feedback on how they're doing. But it's not just about one person - the whole team needs to work together and talk to each other. How much we need to work together depends on the type of project and how our company works. But no matter what, we should always be ready to help each other out and talk to each other. That way, we can all do well together.

Understanding your place in giving constructive criticism is important because it allows you to have a baseline of figuring out what position you're coming from. Think of it like positions on a chess board. The queen can move any direction she wants and can attack from any angle while a pawn can only attack from a front

If you want to engage in IT operations, ensure that you understand the language used. A good place to start is to go through a book called "ITIL Foundation" and get the certification. It is a set of conventions that people in the IT Operations field often work by & which as such make it easier for people to interact using a similar framework. SLA's, SLO's, Change, Incident, Problem etc - all words with a specific definitions, similar to Change Manager, Service Delivery Manager etc. Engaging with others becomes easier if you are talking about the same things, so starting there is a good idea.

Understanding the rules that each person plays in an IT operation setting is an important first step into delivering constructive feedback.

The first thing you need to do in order to provide feedback is to know your team. What are their strengths and what are their weaknesses? As well, you might need to consider the level of maturity, how long has the team doing their duties? Are there any gaps that doesn’t allow the team to perform their duties? You might think in more constraints but I want to make sure there is not always black and white and you might consider more factors before sharing your feedback.

Timing *always* matters. Not just in IT Operations, but there, surely, too. The earlier a potential issue is identified & addressed, the lower the chance that it'll become a bigger problem or escalates over time. We often see personal considerations "I will look bad/stupid" play a role in under-reporting issues. Ensure to set this aside - the overall mission is usually of such importance that this personal feelings should be parked. Ensure that the team that works with you knows the main goal is a stable environment & full transparency - creating a team focused on outcomes rather than on personal sensitivities, with psychological safety, is paramount.

Early responses to correct an issue also can save a lot of wasted time if you have to back track or undo some of the work that was done. Early reinforcement (positive and negative) also ensures that the receiver can trust you to mentor them. Don't over manage though.

Great point! Timely feedback is essential in IT Operations, where delays can lead to project bottlenecks and increased downtime. By providing feedback shortly after an event or situation, we can address issues before they snowball, reinforce positive behaviors, and maximize the impact of our feedbacks. "It's all about striking while the iron is hot!"

Timing always matters when it comes to delivering constructive feedback and criticism to an IT operations team member. Depending on the type of criticism it's maybe best suited for a one-on-one conversation with the team member or it could be a group conversation with all members of the team

Timing plays a crucial factor while providing feedback. Providing prompt feedback right after an event or task completion has significantly more impact on performance. It allows for immediate course correction and improvement. Frequency is very important too, regular feedback is very important in team building exercises. While immediate feedback matters, scheduled performance reviews still play a role in discussing long-term goals and trends.

Specificity is crucial when giving feedback in IT Operations. Vague comments can lead to confusion and misinterpretation, which can hinder growth and improvement. By providing clear, concrete examples and highlighting specific aspects of the work or behavior, you can ensure that your feedback is actionable, effective, and empowers team members to learn and excel. It's all about providing precise guidance to help them level up!

Mean specific when it comes to criticism and IT operations is important. We live in a very technical field and sometimes it's easy for people to get lost within the nuance in the complexities of our operation jobs

Agreed. I would add that you get some sort of feedback from the recipient about what they are thinking or feeling. You might think I am a manager I don't want to know their personal life etc. it is not relevant. Big mistake. It might take longer. But there is always a reason for a change in behaviour. If you can find out why then you have an opportunity to get a optimal outcome. If you are lacking information. The outcome can only be optimal by fluke. So invest the time then or as soon after. Maybe at the time give the feedback but add that you want them to think it over and in a week we will catch up for coffee to discuss further.

Being specific in feedback is crucial for several reasons: Clarity and Precision. Targeted Improvement. Actionable Steps. Avoid Misunderstandings. Positive Reinforcement.

Specificity and clearly communicating is a life hack, explaining concepts in the simplest way ends up eliminating the need for plenty of follow up questions....at least in my experience.

Ok this is what I was suggesting above so you have covered. Serves me right giving feedback as I go. before I have all the information.

IT Operations field requires a balanced approach that fosters improvement while maintaining motivation and morale Balance Positive and Negative Encourage Dialogue Be Mindful of Tone

Engaging in dialogue is enormously important. The major issue I often encounter is that not all involved professional groups participate in these dialogues, leading to the loss of important perspectives. Often, the dialogues are only held among upper-level positions, which sometimes reflects an inaccurate status quo.

Focusing on the growth and what can be improved in any feedback-based review is important. And as always a great closer for the candidate It's important to leave on a positive and future looking note rather than a sour one

Feedback in IT Ops should fuel growth & learning, guiding team members to develop new skills & refine existing ones, unlocking their full potential!

Keep updated with current technology and issues related to what used within. Proposed upgrade specially for the system security.

Growing skills and improving existing ones widens the pool of tools at disposal. And with feedback it can help guide where to focus the growth efforts of the team.

Positive reinforcement is key! Recognize & celebrate team successes, no matter how small, to boost morale & motivate continuous improvement in IT Ops.

Appreciation and recognition of employees hold a high priority for me. This fosters and strengthens the morale and motivation of the team members. Whether it's a few kind words from colleagues or a shared meal after major projects, it creates an overwhelmingly positive sense of unity and contributes to better cohesion.

Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in IT Operations. Recognizing and celebrating good work can be just as crucial as addressing areas for improvement. High-pressure environments benefit immensely from acknowledging team members' efforts, as it boosts morale and motivates them to sustain high performance. Public praise, like celebrating achievements in team meetings or company newsletters, can have a significant impact. Even seemingly small gestures, such as attributing an idea to its originator, can enhance a sense of ownership and pride. Cultivating this positive atmosphere encourages continuous growth and engagement within the team.

Providing effective feedback is key to driving growth and efficiency. It's important to recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach often doesn't work. Tailoring your feedback to the individual—considering their unique strengths, challenges, personality types, and communication styles—can make all the difference. For example, when giving feedback to a detail-oriented engineer, focus on specifics and provide data-driven insights. On the other hand, a big-picture strategist might benefit more from feedback highlighting overarching goals and strategic impacts. By understanding these nuances, you can deliver feedback that truly resonates and fosters engagement and development.

Effective feedback in IT operations can be given by being specific, timely, and constructive. Point out observed behaviors or outcomes, provide context, and suggest actionable improvements. Use a balanced approach highlighting both strengths and areas for development. Encourage open communication, listen actively, and involve the individual in creating solutions. Set clear expectations, follow up on progress, and acknowledge improvements. Ultimately, feedback should be aimed at driving growth, improving performance, and fostering a positive working environment.