Feedback says something about the effect of our behavior on others. We have compiled a number of important insights regarding giving and receiving feedback.
Feedback is important because it represents a learning opportunity. Appreciative feedback can give our self-confidence and sense of self-worth a boost. Constructive feedback, in turn, can be crucial for improving performance. Giving and receiving feedback is therefore a prerequisite for learning.
Giving feedback effectively
What should you consider when giving feedback? Ensure your message is clear: state concrete things in a constructive manner. Also, provide feedback immediately rather than waiting until you start to feel annoyed. This is more honest. Preferably, give feedback often: comfort with feedback increases when it is done frequently and directly.
Receiving feedback effectively
It is a myth that people have difficulty with constructive feedback: they like to know where they stand, whether they are doing well, and where they can learn. What should you pay attention to when receiving feedback? Thank the other person and take the time to let the message sink in: did I truly hear what the other person said, do I understand it correctly, and how does it affect me?
Take on a role model position
Receiving feedback is not always easy. There may be a high emotional charge, the feedback might not fit the image we have of ourselves, or it may not come at the right time. As a leader, you can take on a role model position by allowing yourself to be vulnerable: ask for help or feedback yourself and then handle it well, admit when you do not know something, etc.
Coaching and checking
Giving feedback is helping someone with self-reflection. If no reflection occurs after the feedback, it is futile. Therefore, it is important to coach and check how something is received by the other person when you give feedback. The better you master the skill of conveying feedback, the greater the chance that you truly reach the recipient.
Establishing a feedback culture
Only when feedback is truly received will the recipient be willing to adjust their behavior. To achieve this, you must create a sense of safety: deliver your message with care, handle the reaction to the feedback thoughtfully, and establish a feedback culture within the organization. The intention of feedback should always be to help the other person and to learn and evolve together. Feedback that only serves to make yourself feel better leads nowhere.
A summary of the benefits of speaking your mind:
- It reduces negative thoughts.
- You gain more understanding for yourself and your colleagues.
- It emphasizes your qualities and helps improve your weaker points.
- It provides insight into which topics are important to you.
- You gain insight into your values and beliefs.
- It develops your creative thinking.
- It sharpens your professional goals.
- It teaches you to discover opportunities for growth.
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