UN Photo/Pierre Galinier
Give Feedback – Positively!
Working in a team can often be challenging: Different work styles, opinions and personalities can make this experience either very rewarding or very frustrating. While differences can enrich the teamwork, they can also lead to tensions among team members. If not channelled into a constructive and respectful way of communication, differences can lead to conflict and turn any teamwork into a strenuous exercise.
Giving constructive feedback is a skill that can be learned. Feedback should not drag the other person down but should encourage him/her to develop and engage in ways to correct the situation. Consequently, the following might be useful:
1. REFLECT
Ask yourself: Why are you offering feedback? What is your motivation? Is it appropriate to the situation and will it help to change a specific behaviour? Are you voicing criticism out of competition or momentary frustration? If the latter is the case, reconsider: Do you really need to address it?
2. AGREE ON A TIME
Find a timely moment when your counterpart is not distracted from daily work exigencies and is receptive for feedback. Ask the other person, if you could have a confidential conversation to give him/her some feedback. If appropriate, step outside and meet in a calmer setting.
3. DESCRIBE AND EXPLAIN
Tell the person what you have observed. Describe a behaviour or action in a concrete situation. Be specific and frank but sincere and respectful. Don’t make assumptions about the intent or character of the person.
Explain the direct impact that the other person’s behaviour or action had on you or the work of the team. Be specific and de-scribe your thoughts and feelings. Use “I” statements and not "you" statements - this will prevent the conversation from developing into a ping-pong game of mutual accusations.
4. PAUSE
Give the other person time to think about what you said, to ask questions and to explain. Be prepared to receive feedback yourself, too. Ideally, your initiative will lead to a dialogue of mutual learning and understanding.
5. INCLUDE
Instead of suggesting your own solution, engage the other party in a joint search for mutually agreeable means to improve the situation. Don’t expect the conversation to change the person but use it to start an ongoing discussion and to set the tone for a future-oriented, constructive working relationship.