Feedback is such an important communication tool. Openness, honesty, candor, trust — all of these are hallmarks of high performance teams and organizations.
Good feedback skills are essential to any relationship. So how do you give someone effective feedback? First, ensure your intention is to be helpful and supportive, rather than to “slam.” Check to make sure the person wants and is ready to accept feedback, if you haven’t been asked to provide it. Before providing your feedback, ask the person for their assessment of the situation.
But, how do you say it? What words do you use that will ensure the message is delivered properly? Be specific. Describe the actual behavior you observed, not personality traits. Avoid generalities, vague statements, and inferences. Use “I” statements: I saw…, I heard…, I felt… Describe the impact of the behavior on you: “I felt…when you…” Be sincere with your comments. Don’t say that something was good when you don’t really believe it.
About Denise O'Berry
I do similar work to your co in uk and europe.The content you have and mine look the same and we both have a passion for team development. In uk we have what is know as an appraisal for each indivudal in a Co. What we have developed is a Team appraisal where we get to understamd team goals. we discuss team roles and agree performance targets, It moves towards self directed or self managed Teams. Do you do anything similar
Peter Metcalf.
Peter — Glad to hear we think alike and are sharing the same type of tips and tools around the globe. I’d love to hear more about your appraisel. Please send additonal information via my online contact form at http://www.askteamdoc.com/ask-the-team-doc-a-question/ Thanks much!