"Those who master the right word do not offend anyone. And yet they speak the truth. Their words are clear, but never violent. They do not allow themselves to be humiliated and do not humiliate anyone." - Buddha
The art of giving good feedback is not innate to everyone. Giving and receiving good feedback is something that can and should be learned. Feedback is essential for solving small problems before they become a major burden! Feedback is important so that people know where they stand and where they can develop.
The positive effects of feedback:
- It reinforces behaviors experienced positively by others
- It corrects behaviors experienced negatively by others
- It clarifies relationships
Feedback draws attention in a constructive way, whether it is to unconscious or inappropriate behaviors. This is simultaneously an opportunity for those receiving feedback. It provides resources, help, and support to learn new behaviors. Feedback is therefore an excellent way to learn from each other.
Constructive Criticism - the High Art
It saves us a lot of time, money, and nerves. How can we reduce meeting times by 1/3 and quickly return to work with a good feeling?
It is not just about being "nice" or rehearsing pleasant phrases, but about adopting an attitude that increasingly avoids evaluations and promotes communication on an equal footing.
Before giving feedback, please prepare yourself. Write down your important points. Do not act immediately in emotional situations, but think first before speaking:
• What is your goal? What exactly needs to be improved?
• What exactly are you evaluating? Are you criticizing only or also praising?
• How do you describe your perception? What exactly happened?
• What do you say and how do you say it?
Giving and Receiving Feedback
Feedback is a form of conversation to tell others how I see them or to learn how others see me. Feedback therefore consists of two components, namely
giving feedback and
taking feedback.
Giving Feedback
The way feedback is expressed and received largely determines how satisfied people are with their work, colleagues, and superiors!
Pay attention to the following points in preparation and during the conversation:
Positive Start
descriptive
Concrete images and actions and their effects are described, not judged!
Personal feelings, assumptions are presented as subjective. Statements should be made in the first-person perspective. Avoid accusations and "you" messages!
gentle and friendly
This promotes relationships.
specific
Behavior is always context-dependent!
self-responsible
With an awareness of the possible effects of feedback. Decide what you really want to say.
also positive
Feedback should also include positive feelings and perceptions.
Taking Feedback
listen and let the other person speak
Listen calmly and let the words sink in. Understand how the other person perceives things. Avoid defending or justifying.
as a challenge
Ask for clarification if things are unclear. See critical feedback as a learning opportunity.
voluntary
I only need to accept feedback if I feel capable of doing so.
self-responsible
Decide how you want to react to feedback, what you want to communicate back.
accept appreciatively and gratefully
Appreciate recognition, strengths, success, and suggestions for improvement.
questions for understanding are allowed
be thankful
even if the feedback is not always given in the right way. It helps to get to know oneself and the impact on others, to become more confident and competent in one's appearance, and to achieve one's goal.
