3.2 Sorting good feedback from bad
In Activity 2 you can use what you’ve just learned to inform how you would deliver certain types of feedback to others.
Activity 2 What makes good and bad feedback?
Have a look at the sentences in the box below. Each is a way in which you could deliver feedback to someone. Go through the sentences and type Yes next to the ones which you feel would be acceptable feedback (not necessarily perfect, but OK).
Next look at the sentences which you did not write Yes next to. What could you add to this sentence to make it more acceptable to the person on the receiving end? Record your thoughts next to the statement.
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Comment
You may have found some of these much easier to decide to say Yes to than others in this list. For example, statements 3, 8, 14 and 18 are good examples of clear and timely feedback, whereas 5 and 12 are not useful or appropriate ways to start the conversation. While part of this can be down to personal judgement it can also depend in part on how the words are delivered – for example the tone of voice used or the situation in which you are delivering them.
The key thing here is to take time to reflect what a good feedback comment might look like and review how you would like feedback to be delivered if you were on the receiving end.
When providing feedback ask yourself whether you have:
- prioritised your ideas and limited your feedback to the most important issues
- considered the value of the feedback you are giving to the receiver
- considered the communication needs of the person you are speaking to
- considered how you would respond to the feedback if it was given to you
- provided an appropriate rather than an overwhelming amount of feedback in one go
- considered if you would know how to act or what to do next if you were the one on the receiving end.
Another important part of the feedback process is to follow up on your feedback – check in with the person and offer support if needed. You could even ask for feedback on your feedback – was it useful, did I deliver it appropriately?
Next you will look at a common feature of the Storming process, and consider what to do if conflict arises.