How can you give and receive feedback like a pro?

1 Why feedback matters

Feedback is an essential process of sharing information, opinions, or suggestions about someone's performance, behavior, or actions. It can be positive, negative, or constructive. Positive feedback recognizes and reinforces what someone is doing well while negative feedback points out what needs to change. Constructive feedback combines both and provides specific guidance on how to improve. Feedback can help you and others to grow and develop skills, identify and correct mistakes and weaknesses, align goals and expectations with others, increase motivation and confidence, and strengthen trust and rapport with others.

2 How to give feedback

Giving feedback can be tricky, especially if you want to avoid hurting someone's feelings, damaging your relationship, or creating conflict. To give feedback effectively, there are some basic principles and techniques to consider. Firstly, it's important to be clear about your purpose and intention. Ask yourself why you are giving feedback and what you want to achieve. Additionally, pick the right time and place to give feedback. Do it as soon as possible after the event or situation, but make sure the other person is ready and willing to receive it. Avoid giving feedback in public or when emotions are high. When giving feedback, be specific and factual by using concrete examples and data. You can also use the sandwich method: start with something positive, then state the negative or constructive feedback, and end with something positive again. Focus on the behavior, not the person; don't attack, blame, or judge the other person's character. Use "I" statements to express your feedback from your own perspective. Finally, invite dialogue and feedback; don't just tell the other person what you think but ask them for their opinion too. Listen actively to their response and acknowledge their point of view.

3 How to receive feedback

Receiving feedback can be difficult, particularly if you take it personally, feel defensive, or disagree with it. To effectively receive feedback, you need to have a positive attitude and adopt some helpful behaviors. For example, be open and curious about the feedback giver's perspective and what you can learn from it. Additionally, listen attentively and reflect on what the other person is saying. Appreciate and thank them for taking the time and effort to give you feedback. Finally, evaluate the feedback and decide how to use it to improve or change something.

4 How to improve your feedback skills

Giving and receiving feedback are skills that you can improve with practice and feedback. To do this, you should seek feedback regularly from various people, such as colleagues, managers, clients, or mentors. Additionally, give feedback in a respectful and constructive way to others. Furthermore, learn from the feedback you receive and give by analyzing it, reflecting on it, identifying your strengths and areas for improvement, setting goals and action plans based on the feedback, and monitoring and measuring your progress and results.

5 How to overcome feedback challenges

Giving and receiving feedback can be tricky, especially if you encounter obstacles or difficulties. For instance, if the feedback is unclear or vague, ask for more details or examples. If the feedback is negative or harsh, don't take it personally and try to understand the feedback giver's perspective. If the feedback is ignored or rejected, don't give up but try to find out the reasons and address them. To become a pro at giving and receiving feedback, it's important to follow tips and techniques that can help to improve interpersonal communication skills, enhance performance, and build better relationships. With the right approach, you can master the art and science of feedback and reap its benefits.

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?