Give feedback
Living is solving problems.
We eat because we're hungry. And that's a problem.
We work because we need money. That's another problem.
Work is an endless series of problems. We're paid to solve them.
The more problems we solve, the better we get. We learn.
Our learning process looks a bit like this:
1. Identify problem
2. Try to solve it
3. Assess whether it's solved
4. If solved, awesome, else go back to step 2, or give up.
The loop between 2 and 3 is called the feedback loop.
Feedback is how we know the problem was solved.
It is the most crucial component of learning.
When we throw darts, we have visual feedback. Too high. Too low. Too much on the left. We adjust accordingly.
Learning without feedback is like trying to hit the bull's eye blindfolded.
Most work situations are more complex. Especially when they involve other people.
This makes getting accurate and timely feedback much harder. And therefore more valuable.
To get feedback, someone has to give it.
Giving feedback is an act of generosity.
Because it is cognitively and emotionally taxing.
Good feedback is AAA
Great feedback adds another A
All the above requires attention, care, and a fair amount of grey matter.
Remember that when you casually ask for feedback. It ain't free to give.
But more importantly, be the giver. Be generous with feedback. Because it's probably the best gift you can give to others.
You'll need practice.
The only way to get better at giving feedback is to give feedback. As often as possible. And to get feedback about your feedback.
Like, meta feedback.
So, in a way, the most effective way to get better is to give feedback to people who are good at giving feedback. You know who these people are.
Got any feedback?
Pragmatic Software Crafter
1 周Each time I use these tricks I worry I am going to remember it wrong... "How was my feedback supposed to be again?... Abusive, Ambiguous and Arbitrary?" ??
?? Gaming Product Manager & Marketer
1 周You easily remember people who are good at giving feedback, yet you also remember the opposite perfectly, that’s where I feel it’s one of the most difficult exercises out there. That’s why I would say that feedback also have to be adapted/adaptative (a fifth A?!) in order to be not only efficient, but simply understood. P.S.: so famous is the famous AAAA we so much heard about? I feel like I discovered the One Piece this week.