How to Give Feedback Effectively for the Best Results

How to give feedback effectively.Often we hold back from giving feedback to others, even when it’s important to us and to the health of our relationship. Maybe we’re afraid we’ll hurt their feelings even if it's constructive, or we’re afraid of their reaction. Or maybe we think they’ll feel we’re criticizing them. But if we don’t give others feedback, we may hold on to resentment or anger toward them, which can spill over into later communications and even cause distance in our relationship.

Let's look at how to improve communication skills so we can feel more confident in giving constructive feedback.

In all our relationships, whether it’s our spouse, our boss, or a friend, we depend on positive feedback and negative feedback to grow. So it’s important to realize that in denying feedback to others, we deny them the opportunity to develop in areas where they need help. Feedback only hurts others when we don’t offer it in a loving way. If we want to create thriving relationships, we need to support each other’s highest and best by holding them accountable to be better and offering helpful and respectful feedback.

Related reading: "Good Communication Is Vital for a Successful Business."

How to Give Feedback Successfully

Here are some tips in discerning how to give helpful feedback and how to approach another person in a way that our feedback will be more readily received.

Giving feedback in loving ways increases trust.STEP 1:  Prepare yourself so you can express feedback from the heart.
Ask yourself, “Will this feedback create good will or create distance?” If the answer is “distance,” check in with your emotions, intention, and motivation. If you’re upset, resolve your inner battles before talking with the person. When you’re calmer, think of three things you admire or love about the person, or bring to mind a pleasant memory of that person. This process will increase the likelihood of delivering your message from the heart.

STEP 2:  Set yourself up to succeed by carefully choosing the timing of the conversation. Ask the person, “Is now a good time to talk?” If it isn’t, ask when would be a better time. Be sure to allow enough time to talk, especially if the relationship is strained or if you expect the conversation to be difficult.

STEP 3:  Give your feedback respectfully. Keep your feedback concise, friendly, and calm. Avoid sarcasm, subtle putdowns, and comparisons. Focus on the situation and the behavior, not the person.

STEP 4:  Allow the person a chance to respond. Be open and willing to listen to their response.

A part of every business is the need to give constructive feedback.STEP 5:  Brainstorm possible solutions or offer specific actions that will help. Pay attention to the person’s receptivity. Were they open to your feedback? If they reacted defensively, it’s not an appropriate time to look for solutions. Give each other time to calm down, and circle back to touch base later.

Following these steps will help create honest and strong communication, enhance calmer conversations when disagreements arise and improve your interpersonal skills while enhancing relationships. Honest, sincere, and respectful communication, practiced consistently with courage and kindness, will strengthen our families, businesses, and communities.

For more great tools and skills, contact Heartmanity at 406-577-2100.

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Jennifer A. Williams / Heartmanity for BusinessJennifer A. Williams / Heartmanity for Business
As an Executive Coach and Relationship Strategist, Jennifer’s specializes in leadership, team building, and emotional intelligence. She trains entrepreneurs and leaders to identify and dismantle limiting beliefs and biases that impact their ability to lead and connect with their teams. Her emphasis is on utilizing brain science to short-cut change and create personal and organizational transformation. For over two decades, Jennifer has worked with businesses to remove the obstacles to authentic communication, collaboration, and teamwork. Jennifer also acts as a Human Resources independent consultant in large companies and trains Customer Service teams in the art of empathy and effectively handling difficult conversations. Her passionate mission is to create thriving relationships at work and home.

Posted in Business and Leadership, Communication & Interpersonal Skills

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