𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐟𝐭

That's true, but we often don't know how to wrap the gift - a.k.a presenting feedback in a way that is conducive and effective.

Why is it important? Because that's how you get results.

One of my clients, a senior leader, spoke to me about his struggles giving feedback, making it land in a meaningful and useful way.

Like many other leaders, he obviously knows the importance of giving feedback as has been introduced to several feedback models. Still he was struggling. 

Feedback is probably the best tool to encourage, put back on track, adjust, and get more of what you want to see in terms of behaviours of actions. Still, it's not easy to "give". 

You have:

🔴 The leaders who just don't give feedback (why bother?).

🟠 The leaders who assume good feedback is not useful (why praising someone for doing their job?) and only focus on things that don't work (nice!). The attrition rate in their team is usually higher than normal, and the mood lower.

🟠 The leaders who only give positive feedback (good cop syndrome) and shy away from constructive feedback and hairy conversations (often by fear of harming the relationship). Their teams are not functioning at their peak, the ones who like to be challenged to grow leave or shut down.

🟢 The leaders who have the ability to balance both, creating trusted and caring relationships, while maintaining a high ethical sense. These ones will be remembered for a long time, they build healthy and balanced teams.

Not giving feedback is simply not allowing someone to know how they do and grow from there. 

Not giving feedback is a bit like finding your way in a dark room. Not impossible, but not easy, not enjoyable and slow!

PS: ➡️ And no, annual performance and compensation reviews are not enough as "feedback channels".

Here are a couple of simple ways to provide feedback that land:

☯️ Positive feedback: "What I appreciate about you/ your work is..." 

☯️ Constructive feedback: "Let’s take a moment to review this together, if you are ok? I believe there’s an opportunity to make it even stronger".

PS2: ➡️ You don't have to be a "leader" to use this. A co-worker and peer, you can try the same... and elevate how people perceive you. 🌟 

Try it. Let me know the reactions and results you get, and how you feel, giving feedback. I can bet it will be pretty positive. 

If you are interested in knowing more on the true power of hashtag#feedback, and how to use it, do reach out! There is much more to it.