The thought of having to give feedback makes me feel…
Whenever I'm working with managers during a workshop on how to coach and give feedback, I'll throw out the following question for them to answer…
“The thought of having to give feedback makes me feel...?”
The majority will say, "It makes me feel anxious or it gives me anxiety." But there's always one or two in the room that will answer it differently. Some will say, "Makes me feel like I have an opportunity to recognize my employees."
Now go back and look at the question.
Notice I never said what type of feedback. What’s unfortunate is most people go to the ‘dark side’ of feedback. Then there are managers who understand that feedback is a tale of two stories, both constructive and positive; these managers will answer the question by saying, "The thought of having to give feedback makes me feel like I will make a difference in someone's life or career."
That's because they get it. They understand that giving feedback is a critical part of helping employees to develop and become even more successful. They don't view it as all negative, but that perspective comes with experience.
Giving balanced feedback, including mastering the skill of giving tough feedback, doesn’t happen overnight and never gets easier.
But in time, with a little guidance, practice and being consistent, you will gain the confidence to have these discussions more effectively – and your people will benefit greatly from it.
Helping Condo Communities at, and Social Media for the Meritus Group | Condominium Management
5 年What you're not saying is equally true, Rob. You won't always have the best reports. Thete are certainly those who require more criticism and guidance and might not be easily accepting of same.
Helping Condo Communities at, and Social Media for the Meritus Group | Condominium Management
5 年If you've got a motivated report, you don't have to worry about how you make them feel when giving feedback. Someone who's dedicated and hardworking will seek out your feedback, maybe before you've even had the chance to form an opinion.
Helping Condo Communities at, and Social Media for the Meritus Group | Condominium Management
5 年When it's my job to give feedback, that's what I do and have no qualms about it. As someone who's wanted to succeed as a trainee in many capacities, I always found it frustrating when I didn't get feedback on my performance. I have to assume that anyone who is actually motivated to do well, who I'm training, would find it equally frustrating not to have the benefit of my guidance in the form of feedback.
Targeted Accounts Manager at BeOne Medicines
5 年Feedback, both praise and developmental, makes for an environment of no surprises and done with the best intent develops a deeper trusting relationship.?
Like I have an opportunity to make a contribution