2.1 Sorting good feedback from bad
Now you will think about 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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Discussion
You may have found some of these much easier to decide to say Yes to than others in this list. 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 and the situation.
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 how you would respond to the feedback if it was given to you
- provided 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.
Next you will look at what to do if conflict arises.