Feedback, What Is It?
Well, simply put, it is helpful information we can offer each other about how others are affected by our actions, tone of voice, words. Its purpose is to help individuals improve, processes and self-correct, to be aware of how the impact they have on others.
The goal isn’t to tear others down; the goal is to help them improve. Being considerate and respectful helps people to hear the feedback and remember it is not what you say sometimes, it is how you say (your tone of voice) that has the greatest impact on how people receive feedback.
It can be difficult to provide feedback to others so here is a Feedback Formula to help guide you on how to do that.
The Feedback Formula
1. Share Your Observation
- Describe specifically what you have observed
- A clear, data-based statement about the observable behaviour (not your opinion)
Say: “I OBSERVED that you interrupted the client three times during our conversation.”
2. State the Impact of the Actions
- Describe your reactions to what you have observed
- Information about why the feedback’s important to the recipient
Say: “The IMPACT of those interruptions is that the client began to say less and less and eventually stopped talking altogether.”
3. Ask – Is That What You Intended to Happen?
Invite conversation.
Ask: “Is that what you wanted to happen? What are your thoughts?”
4. Offer a Suggestion
- Offer helpful ideas when appropriate
- Ideas about alternative behaviour so the recipient can consider multiple options
Say: “I SUGGEST that you try to be patient and use silence to give the client time to think about her answers before responding.”
Summarize and Show Your Support
Final Thoughts
One of my favourite sayings is “Leave it better than you found it”, I apply that to giving feedback, if a person becomes more aware of their impact and can use that to develop strong relationships, then you have helped in a small way!
So, go ahead and provide them with some insight into their impact and how they can make it stronger!