Giving + receiving feedback: A guide for People leaders

In the dynamic world of organizational leadership, giving and receiving feedback effectively is crucial. Mastering this skill can significantly influence the growth and development of individuals and teams. 

Let's delve into the intricacies of feedback, offering practical insights for refining this essential skill.

Understanding the impact of feedback

Feedback is more than just a managerial tool. Feedback is a conduit for personal and professional growth within your organization. Effective feedback fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encourages open communication and builds trust among team members.

Fundamental principles of effective feedback

Implementing the key principles outlined below can transform the feedback process at your organization into a powerful tool for employee engagement and development.

• Clarity + specificity: Feedback should be clear and address specific behaviors or outcomes. Vague comments can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
• Timeliness: Offering feedback promptly ensures relevance and effectiveness.
• Balance: Strive for a balance between positive reinforcement and constructive criticism.
• Empathy + respect: Deliver feedback that respects the individual's dignity and perspectives.
• Actionable suggestions: Feedback should provide clear directions or suggestions for improvement.
• Follow-up: Feedback should never be one-and-done. Engage in follow-up discussions to monitor progress and provide ongoing support.

Navigating the challenges of feedback

Feedback, both giving and receiving, can be fraught with challenges. It's common to encounter defensiveness, miscommunication and emotional responses to feedback, especially when the feedback is critical. Developing emotional intelligence and practical communication skills is vital to overcoming these hurdles.

Resources for enhancing feedback skills

To further develop your organization's skills in giving and receiving feedback, consider exploring the following resources. These books have been recommended by People leaders on LinkedIn as good reads for people seeking to enhance their feedback skills:

• Radical candor: Be a kick-ass boss without losing your humanity by Kim Scott: A guide to being a better boss and colleague through caring personally and challenging directly. Find it here on Amazon.
• Feedback fundamentals + evidence-based principles by Brodie Riordan: A comprehensive look at the science and practice of feedback. Find it here.
• Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high by Joseph Grenny: Insights into handling high-stakes conversations effectively. Find it here.
• Thanks for the Feedback: The science + art of receiving feedback well by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen: Focuses on the less explored aspect of feedback — receiving it. Find it here.
• The fearless organization by Amy C. Edmondson: A Blueprint for fostering an environment where feedback thrives. Find it here.
• Go to help: 31 strategies to offer, ask for and accept help by Deborah Grayson Riegel and Sophie Riegel: Written by two Electives instructors, this book shares strategies on offering inspiring help, managing people who don’t accept help and asking for help that’s useful. Find it here.

Bringing teams together: Interactive learning on feedback

Engaging and interactive classes can significantly enhance your team's feedback skills. Team-based live learning provides valuable insights and techniques while fostering a sense of unity and understanding among team members. By participating together, employees can experience firsthand the nuances of giving and receiving feedback in a safe and constructive environment.

A collaborative approach to learning feedback techniques encourages open dialogue, breaks down communication barriers and builds a more vital, cohesive team dynamic. The benefits of team-based live learning experiences are profound, leading to improved communication, increased empathy and a more supportive workplace culture where feedback is both a tool and a pathway to growth and mutual respect.

A team that embraces effective feedback techniques is on a continuous learning and adaptation journey.

You can enhance your employees' ability to give and receive feedback, fostering a culture of growth and development in your organization. Remember, the art of feedback is a cornerstone of effective leadership and organizational success.

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