You have a colleague in a different department who needs feedback. How can you help them improve?

2 Choose the right channel

The next step is to choose the right channel for delivering feedback. Depending on the type and urgency of the feedback, you may opt for different communication systems. For example, if you need to give quick and informal feedback, you can use chat or text message. If you need to give detailed and formal feedback, you can use email or document sharing. If you need to give complex and sensitive feedback, you can use video call or face-to-face meeting.

3 Use the sandwich method

The sandwich method is a common technique for giving feedback that balances positive and negative aspects. The idea is to start with a praise, then state the area of improvement, and then end with another praise. This way, you can acknowledge the strengths, address the weaknesses, and motivate the colleague to improve. You can use communication systems to structure your feedback according to the sandwich method. For example, you can use bullet points, emojis, or headings to highlight the different parts of your feedback.

4 Be specific and actionable

One of the key characteristics of effective feedback is that it is specific and actionable. This means that you should avoid vague and general statements, and instead focus on concrete examples and suggestions. You can use communication systems to provide specific and actionable feedback by using data, screenshots, links, or attachments to support your points. You can also use questions, comments, or feedback tools to invite your colleague to respond, ask for clarification, or share their perspective.

5 Follow up and follow through

The final step is to follow up and follow through with your feedback. This means that you should check in with your colleague to see how they are implementing your feedback, offer additional support or resources, and celebrate their progress. You can use communication systems to follow up and follow through by setting reminders, scheduling meetings, sending updates, or giving recognition. By doing so, you can build trust, rapport, and collaboration with your colleague.

6 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?