The Power of Feedback

When you’re in a role of authority, you need to learn how to provide feedback to your team in a way that can effectively produce change, without offending. In the same sweep, you’ve got to be able to be open to taking the feedback that your team provides to you as well.

First, let’s talk a little bit about how feedback can generally have a negative connotation. Imagine someone asking you if you’d be open to feedback - does your stomach tighten? Do you brace for the worst? Or are you generally pretty open and curious about what others have to say?

You might think that you’re open to feedback, a lot of people claim that they are! But in reality, it’s difficult trying to navigate the best way to critique another person. Here are some tips for creating a feedback-rich environment...

First, when the time comes to provide feedback or receive it, be sure that both parties are in a good headspace. Don’t pick a time when either party is stressed out; try your best to gauge the mood of the other person.

Second, be direct. Don’t beat around the bush, it dilutes your message.

Third, don’t save conversations about feedback for just negative feedback. Set aside times to give positive feedback as well.

Fourth, set a good example for how to receive feedback. Be gracious, be sincere, and say thank you. This will encourage more feedback and open up the communication lines.

Way too often, people talk about sandwiching negative feedback, but in the workplace, this can be a bad idea. When you muddle the message with too much extra context or information, the receiver can get confused about what you’re trying to say. Plus, leading up to the criticism with too much excess verbiage can draw things out, and make both parties nervous.

To practice cutting to the chase, try this exercise: write down criticism of something or someone - and remember, no one has to see it. Then, edit that statement down to one short sentence. Practice saying it out loud.

I’m so happy that you care about becoming a better leader - because I do too! I always have a ton of events for people just like you, from webinars to physical classes and fun get-togethers. Check out my calendar to sign up for something that’s perfect for you at https://larrydavis.leadingthebest.com/