Your team is struggling with communication issues. How can you offer constructive feedback to team members?

Constructive feedback is crucial to overcoming communication barriers within a team. I believe it starts with active listening and empathy. Often, communication issues arise from unspoken concerns or unclear expectations. By encouraging open dialogue and using non-judgmental language, you create a safe space for team members to express their challenges. It’s also helpful to provide feedback in a solutions-oriented manner, focusing on behaviors rather than personal traits. This shifts the focus from blame to growth, which fosters a more cooperative and productive environment.

With 13 years of experience as a CNA and still being active in the field, I know how important it is to give helpful feedback, especially for patient care and safety. It can be uncomfortable to correct a coworker, but it’s important to do it kindly and respectfully. If you see someone not following procedures, speak up in a way that highlights what they’re doing well and offers suggestions for improvement to ensure patient safety. Focus on teamwork and safety rather than blame. By providing feedback in a supportive way, coworkers are more likely to accept it and improve, creating a positive work environment that benefits both staff and patients. This approach also helps you grow as a CNA and prepares you for future leadership roles.

I use the "Name it to Tame it" approach. When I notice a communication issue, I describe the specific behavior I observed and its impact. For example: "I noticed you interrupted Sarah three times during our meeting. This can make others feel their ideas aren't valued." Then, I offer a concrete alternative: "Next time, try jotting down your thoughts to share when there's a natural pause." I've found that pairing feedback with visual aids helps. A quick sketch or diagram can illustrate the issue and solution more effectively than words alone. Remember, it's about progress, not perfection. Celebrate small improvements and be patient – changing communication habits takes time, especially for neurodivergent minds.

When I noticed communication issues among my teachers, I knew the best approach was to encourage open dialogue. I remember a staff meeting where it became clear that some miscommunications were causing frustration between departments. Instead of pointing fingers, I facilitated a roundtable discussion where each teacher could share their perspective without judgment. I offered constructive feedback by highlighting the importance of active listening and clarity, and encouraged them to speak directly and openly with one another moving forward. By creating a safe space for dialogue, I saw the team rebuild trust and improve their collaboration, showing that sometimes the best feedback is encouraging honest conversation.

When my team faced communication issues, I knew the best way to address it was by offering support rather than criticism. I recall a time when two teachers were constantly misinterpreting each other’s intentions, leading to friction. Instead of pointing out their mistakes, I sat down with them individually and asked how I could help improve the situation. I reassured them that communication breakdowns happen to everyone and offered ideas related to conflict resolution, to support them in rebuilding their communication. By showing them that I was there to help, not judge, I noticed a positive shift in how they interacted, and the team became stronger as a result.