Fueling Growth with the Feedback:

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for personal and professional growth. When done correctly, it can elevate performance, build trust, and establish a culture of continuous improvement. But more than often the feedback fires back and falls flat to serve its due purpose.

A formula I learned that can help us navigate the genuine feedback for people around us. The equation has Honesty and Respect as its integral components.

How Honesty and Respect impact the Feedback:

Let’s see how different equations lead to different results.

• Honesty Minus Respect= ZULM: This can come across as harsh and demotivating. For example, telling someone bluntly that their work is "terrible" without providing constructive suggestions can hurt their morale.
• Respect Minus Honesty =DHOKA: Sugar-coating feedback to avoid hurting feelings can prevent real growth. Saying “Everything is great” when there are clear areas for improvement doesn’t help anyone progress and can be a dhoka for the receiver.
• Honesty + Respect = MUKHLIS

The essence of effective feedback lies in balancing honesty with respect. When these two elements are combined, they create a foundation of trust. Let’s break down this equation:

• Honesty: Being straightforward and truthful is essential. People need to know exactly what they’re doing well and where they can improve.
• Respect: Delivering feedback with empathy and understanding ensures that the message is received in a positive light.

Practical Tips for Providing Effective Feedback

1. Be Specific: General comments like “Good job” or “Needs improvement” are less helpful than specific observations. Detail what was done well and what can be improved.
2. Focus on Behavior, Not Personality: Address actions and outcomes rather than personal traits. For example, say, “I noticed you missed the deadline” instead of “You are always late.”
3. Use a Positive Tone: Frame your feedback positively. Instead of “This is wrong,” try “Here’s how you can improve this.”
4. Encourage a Dialogue: Invite the recipient to share their thoughts and feelings. This creates a two-way conversation and fosters mutual understanding.

The empowering concept of feedback equation was shared by my mentor, Kamran Rizvi, and it has stuck with me ever since.

Sharing and learning from each other’s experiences can be incredibly valuable. Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below. Let’s build a community of effective communicators and leaders.

#Feedback #Communication #ProfessionalDevelopment #Leadership #GrowthMindset #Pakistan