No one can be defensive if faced with facts and figures. If your conversation is based on scientific evidences and data then even a defensive person becomes embarrassed. Just make sure that you don’t turn a conversation into a judgmental argument or assumption so it remains professional

When giving feedback to a defensive team member, I strive to create a supportive, non-confrontational atmosphere. I approach the discussion with empathy, emphasizing that the feedback is intended for their growth. By using specific, objective examples, I keep the focus on the work rather than making it personal, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Encouraging open dialogue and listening to their perspective fosters trust and makes them feel valued, enhancing the effectiveness of the feedback.

The most important thing is that feedback is a continuous loop and it doesn’t just happen during an annual review or other routine scheduled discussion. If feedback is truly to be valued then the team culture needs to be open and everyone needs to be willing to give and receive feedback. Unfortunately too often it’s a top/down thing and then it gets tough to share feedback if it’s not wholly positive. With the right culture and positioning of feedback as an important aspect of that culture, then it should be much easier to remove barriers and have a conversation with someone who may initially be adopting a closed or defensive stance.

When giving feedback to a defensive team member, approach the conversation calmly and focus on specific actions, not personality. Use phrases like "I noticed that..." to make the feedback feel less like criticism. Start by mentioning something they did well, then gently bring up what could be improved. Encourage them to share their thoughts, making it a two-way discussion that helps them feel understood and supported.

Me ha resultado útil preguntar que opinión tiene sobre la propuesta planteada, que le preocupa, que haría diferente y porqué. Eso permite que además de dar su opinión, al parafrasear la propuesta se de cuenta que seguramente había algo que no había visto y cambie su actitud.