Giving Effective Feedback (Part 1)

Want to increase the likelihood that your feedback will be effective?

We tend to avoid feedback because, as humans, we experience a threat response when we encounter the unknown. Given that we do not know how another person will receive feedback, we tend to avoid giving it. Conversely, the person receiving feedback is likely to al experience a threat response and for the same reason -- fear of the unknown.

Here a few tips for improving feedback outcomes:

• Mitigate your threat response by preparing your message. Ensure your words are neutral -- avoid words that convey judgement and blame. Speak from your own perspective using "I" messages. Example: I noticed the financial information was not on the last report. Can you tell me the reason it was omitted?"

• Practice delivering your message. You might do it in front of a mirror, paying attention to your body language and other nonverbal cues. Research suggests 83% of what we communicate is nonverbal. Ensure your body language is open and soft but neither aggressive nor unconfident. You can learn more about body language HERE.

• Give the other person advanced notice of your intention to provide feedback. This will help to mitigate their threat response. Example: "Can we meet tomorrow morning? I would like to discuss the most recent report." Asking the other person if you can provide feedback, is a strong way to mitigate the threat response for another person. This one behavior increases the likelihood that your message will be heard.

My next blog will cover what causes the threat response and how to de-escalate when tensions rise.