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Effective Feedback

"Good communication tops most people's list of important workplace skills. Though business offices, retail establishments and shop floors are relying more and more on complex electronic equipment, not all of the information employees need is found on-line and in databases. Effective person-to-person communication is more important than ever as teams 'form and storm,' management becomes more egalitarian, and employees learn to work cross-functionally."

"One of the most important person-to-person communication skills is the ability to give and receive feedback effectively. It is also one of the most challenging. No amount of sophisticated technology can diminish the anxiety supervisors, team leaders and team members can feel when faced with a feedback session."

"The good news is that feedback doesn't have to be painful. By learning proven techniques, you can develop your feedback skills. With practice, you'll be able to turn feedback sessions into tools that can help you and your coworkers improve your job performance and meet important goals."

Giving Feedback

Do

* Be objective and accurate

* Provide specific, detailed examples about the employee's behavior

* Explain how behavior affected the work group and achievement of goal

* Give feedback in a style that matches the receiving employee's style
Avoid

* Words that display emotion

* Vague comments

* Stating observations in a manner that will be viewed as critical or destructive by the receiver

* Saying nothing; it can be misinterpreted
Work Examples

Effective

"Your quick response troubleshooting allows us to make these repairs ourselves, saving us both down-time and money."

"Lack of proofreading leads to doing work over again and undermines our professional image when items with errors are distributed."
Ineffective

"You do a good job."




"With your lack of ability to proofread, I can't imagine you ever being successful in this line of work."
Poertner, Shirley and Karen Masetti Miller. The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback.
West Des Moines: American Media Publishing, 1996.

     
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    Last Updated: Tuesday, 22-May-2007 10:40:36 CDT
    Published by North Dakota State University