How do you update your feedback skills?

1 Assess your feedback style

The first step to update your feedback skills is to assess your current feedback style. What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you prepare, deliver, and follow up on feedback? How do you handle positive and negative feedback? How do you cope with feedback anxiety or resistance? You can use self-assessment tools, such as the Feedback Orientation Scale or the Feedback Style Questionnaire, to gain more insight into your feedback preferences and tendencies. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, managers, or mentors on how you give feedback and how you can improve.

2 Learn from best practices

The next step to update your feedback skills is to learn from best practices. There are many resources and guidelines available to help you master the art and science of feedback. For example, you can use the SBI model (Situation, Behavior, Impact) to structure your feedback in a specific, objective, and actionable way. You can also use the EEC model (Example, Effect, Change) to explain the consequences and expectations of the feedback. You can also apply the principles of positive psychology, such as appreciative inquiry, strengths-based feedback, and growth mindset, to enhance the motivation and performance of your feedback recipients.

3 Practice your feedback skills

The third step to update your feedback skills is to practice your feedback skills. Feedback is a skill that requires constant practice and refinement. You can use various methods and opportunities to practice your feedback skills, such as role-playing, simulations, case studies, peer coaching, or feedback labs. You can also seek feedback on your feedback from your feedback recipients, colleagues, or mentors. You can use the 4A model (Ask, Analyze, Act, Assess) to guide your feedback improvement process. You can also use the feedback loop technique to monitor and adjust your feedback based on the results and reactions.

4 Customize your feedback approach

The fourth step to update your feedback skills is to customize your feedback approach. Feedback is not a one-size-fits-all solution. You need to adapt your feedback style and strategy to the context, purpose, and audience of the feedback. You need to consider factors such as the feedback goal, the feedback frequency, the feedback medium, the feedback tone, the feedback relationship, and the feedback culture. You need to use different feedback techniques for different situations, such as coaching, mentoring, appraising, or correcting. You also need to use different feedback techniques for different personalities, such as introverts, extroverts, achievers, or learners.

5 Update your feedback knowledge

The fifth step to update your feedback skills is to update your feedback knowledge. Feedback is a dynamic and evolving field. You need to stay updated on the latest trends, research, and innovations in feedback. You can use various sources and channels to update your feedback knowledge, such as books, articles, podcasts, webinars, courses, or conferences. You can also join feedback communities, networks, or forums to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices with other feedback professionals. You can also use feedback tools, apps, or platforms to enhance your feedback efficiency and effectiveness.

6 Develop your feedback mindset

The sixth and final step to update your feedback skills is to develop your feedback mindset. Feedback is not only a skill but also a mindset. You need to cultivate a positive and proactive attitude towards feedback. You need to view feedback as a gift, an opportunity, and a responsibility. You need to embrace feedback as a learning and growth experience, not as a judgment or criticism. You need to seek feedback as a way to improve yourself and others, not as a way to prove yourself or others. You need to give feedback as a way to support and empower others, not as a way to control or blame others.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?