What are effective strategies for actionable feedback in interpersonal communication?

1 What is active listening and feedback?

Active listening and feedback are two interrelated concepts that can enhance your interpersonal communication skills. Active listening is the process of paying attention, showing interest, and responding appropriately to what someone is saying. Feedback is the process of giving or receiving information, opinions, or suggestions about something. Active listening and feedback can help you build rapport, trust, and mutual understanding with others, as well as identify areas for improvement and growth.

2 How to give actionable feedback

Actionable feedback is feedback that is specific, constructive, and relevant to the goals or needs of the receiver. It can help the receiver improve their behavior, skills, or outcomes, rather than just praising or criticizing them. To give actionable feedback, you should start with a positive or neutral statement that acknowledges the receiver's strengths or efforts. Then, state the purpose and context of your feedback and explain how it relates to the receiver's goals or expectations. Describe the behavior or outcome that you observed using concrete examples and facts, not judgments or assumptions. Explain the impact or consequences of the behavior or outcome on yourself, others, or the situation. Suggest specific actions or changes that the receiver can take to improve or maintain their performance or results and end with a supportive or encouraging statement expressing your confidence in them.

3 How to receive actionable feedback

Receiving actionable feedback can be tricky, particularly if it is negative or unexpected. Nevertheless, it can also be a great opportunity to learn, develop, and enhance your interpersonal communication skills. To make the most out of actionable feedback, you should listen actively and attentively to the giver without any interruption, defense, or argument. Showing respect and appreciation for the giver's time and effort is essential, as well as acknowledging their perspective and intention. It is also important to ask questions or clarify any unclear, confusing, or vague points in the feedback. Reflecting on the feedback and evaluating its validity, relevance, and usefulness for your goals or needs is also necessary. Finally, decide what changes you will make based on the feedback and communicate them to the giver or other involved parties. Don't forget to follow up on your actions or changes and seek further feedback or support if needed.

4 How to avoid common feedback pitfalls

Feedback can be ineffective or counterproductive if it is not delivered or received properly, so it's important to be aware of common pitfalls. Avoid feedback that is too vague, general, or abstract, and does not provide clear guidance. Also, steer clear of feedback that is too harsh, negative, or personal, as well as feedback that is too late, infrequent, or inconsistent. Additionally, watch out for feedback that is too biased, subjective, or emotionally influenced. Finally, make sure the feedback is not too one-way or authoritative but rather encourages dialogue and collaboration.

5 How to practice and improve your feedback skills

Feedback is a skill that can be honed with practice and feedback. To improve your feedback skills, seek feedback from various sources and perspectives, such as peers, mentors, or customers. Offer feedback to others in a constructive manner and ask for their feedback on your feedback. Utilize feedback tools or frameworks, such as the SBI or STAR model, to structure and organize your feedback. Practice giving and receiving feedback by studying case studies or role plays. Supplement your knowledge with resources such as books or podcasts. By utilizing these strategies for actionable feedback in interpersonal communication, you can strengthen your relationships, performance, and learning outcomes. Feedback is a beneficial gift that should be given and received with gratitude and respect.

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?