How to give and receive feedback - tips & tricks by Sen Kanner

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Guiding the Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback

Hello, reader! I'm Sanker, an experienced professional in the tech industry and for the last couple of years, I have actively been engaged in diversity equity, public speaking, and inclusion. Today, I will be your guide in the world of feedback – how to give it, receive it, and importantly, learn from it.

Reactions to Feedback

The notion of receiving feedback can spark various emotions in different personalities. Some may be filled with enthusiasm, while others may meet it with a sense of dread. Essentially, feedback is a powerful instrument in our paths to improvement and development. It's important to recognize its potential and learn from the experiences it provides.

Your Attitude Towards Feedback

Think about your gut reaction when someone offers you feedback. Unease? Happiness? Surprise? For most, it's often an instinctive fear, stemming from a simple question - What did I do wrong?

Understanding Feedback

Feedback is a communication tool used for improvement. It's often perceived only as criticism, but it’s essential to remember that positive reinforcement is also feedback. Feedback is neither good nor bad until it is presented. Its impact is influenced by the context and the approach employed during the delivery. On a personal level, providing feedback could be as simple as letting a friend know they've been a great listener. Professionally, it translates to our daily progress assessments at work - regular evaluations of our performance and responsibilities.

Case of a Junior Developer

Let's consider this - you're a junior developer who's just started on a new major project, only to realize you developed it in the wrong production environment. In hindsight, wouldn't you have preferred receiving feedback on your mistake as early as possible? Feedback can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it's usually beneficial.

How to Apply Feedback

Knowing how to translate feedback into actionable insights is crucial in the feedback cycle. Being able to understand, digest, and subsequently apply the latter to your activities enhances your overall learning and growth. On receiving feedback about a poorly written email, for example, you could gain insights that help you communicate more effectively in the future.

Tips for Accepting Feedback

  • Be Proactive: Ask for feedback regularly. Draw on others' perspectives to improve.
  • Active Listening: Ensure you understand the perspective of the person providing feedback. You may need to ask follow-up questions or take a step back for deeper understanding.
  • Show Gratitude: Regardless of whether the feedback is positive or negative, showing appreciation can improve future interactions.
  • Reflect: Most importantly, learn from the feedback and carry those insights forward.

Giving Feedback to Others

Indeed, giving feedback can be just as challenging as receiving it. Reflecting on your own emotions when expecting feedback can help you approach another person with the same sensitivity.

Guidelines for Giving Constructive Feedback

  1. Request Permission: Before offering feedback, clarify whether or not the other person is open to it.
  2. Be Clear and Specific: Avoid vague comments. Provide clear, actionable feedback.
  3. Highlight Their Strengths: Praise what they are doing well and should continue to do.
  4. Respect Different Perspectives: Understand that your perception may not align with that of others and share yours respectfully.

Nurturing a Feedback Culture

Once you master the art of giving and receiving feedback, the next step is to cultivate a similar culture among your peers.

Facilitating Feedback in Your Environment

  • Build Trust: Apply the feedback you've received and share the subsequent actions you've taken with your team.
  • Open-Mindedness: Be receptive to feedback from others and avoid getting defensive.
  • Courage: Even without a power dynamic, giving someone honest feedback can be nerve-wracking, but it's a step in the right direction.

Conclusion

Feedback - it's astonishing how this one mechanism can either enhance growth or lead to worry, depending on one's perspective. I hope this write-up leaves you looking forward to rather than dreading feedback, picturing it as a learning opportunity rather than a judgement. Let's promote an environment where we are equally eager to give and receive feedback. For that alone will chart our course to success. Remember, we are always learning, and in that spirit, my door is open for any feedback you may have on this article!


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