The Art of Providing Feedback
…from a recovering people-pleaser.
Do you have a grand plan? A scheme? A dream? Planning to send a rocket to Mars? Arrange a wedding? Conduct surgery? Coordinate playdates? Run a profitable business?
Any group effort requires feedback — a way fellow collaborators let each other know what’s working, and what’s not.
Whether conducted formally, or informally, this seems simple to some people. Second nature. It strikes fear into the heart of others. If you feel timid about it, you’re not alone.
Learning to give effective feedback equips you to serve. Your team, crew or herd demands it. They are worthy. And if done well, will thrive.
Do you like to deliver bad news? Me neither. But what if “bad” news is helpful — as in it seeks to correct or improve a situation.
Corrective vs. “bad” means communicating something that helps someone. You seek to build them up. Which sounds simple but may not be easy. This is where the art comes in. Every person and situation is unique. Even the best communicators miss the mark at times. Let’s look at some common obstacles to delivering effective feedback.
