How do you give constructive feedback to remote team members?

Selecting the right channel depends on both the urgency and nature of the feedback. Immediate, task-specific feedback often benefits from real-time communication such as chat apps or phone calls, where quick clarifications can be made, and the impact of the feedback is immediate.

To make feedback effective, preparation is key. It should be based on facts, focus on the impact of specific behaviors, and be paired with actionable suggestions for improvement. This avoids the common pitfalls of being vague, judgmental, or overly emotional, which can lead to defensiveness or resentment.

Positive feedback is often the first to go in a remote environment. It’s important to remember to express gratitude to those who you work with.

Consistency is equally important. Feedback shouldn't just be given when something goes wrong or during a crisis; it should be a regular part of team interactions. Regular feedback fosters a spirit of continuous improvement and builds trust, because it shows team members that their growth and success matter.

MIT professor and serial inventor Alan Kay once said, “Context is worth 80 IQ points.” Understanding their context for the situation and desire to grow can help you lead them to a significant breakthrough for themselves and for your team! Use coaching as a tool for growth and you will grow yourself as you help them grow! Joyfully, Mike

When giving feedback, it’s crucial to move beyond simply delivering your thoughts and instead engage in a conversation that values the other person's perspective.

Checking in after providing feedback is crucial. It allows you to gauge how team members are applying the feedback, what steps they've taken, and what results are emerging. This is an opportunity to offer further guidance, clarify expectations, or supply resources they may need to succeed.

Whether onboarding a new mentee or enriching a new connection or continuing a conversational collaboration with a colleague, I always look out for articles, posts, and material that comes across my screen that are relevant, reliable, and referrable (my 3 R's) to send to any of my entourage of connections, on a continual basis. They like to know I thought enough of them to share the content and to give them a few personalized words of encouragement. This works wonders for the ongoing relationship!