How can you use positive psychology to enhance your feedback skills?

1 Identify strengths

Positive psychology focuses on identifying and building on people's strengths, rather than fixing their weaknesses. When you give feedback, start by acknowledging what the person does well and how they contribute to the team or the project. This will help them feel valued, confident, and motivated to learn. Then, you can offer suggestions on how they can leverage their strengths to overcome challenges or achieve their goals.

2 Use positive emotions

Positive emotions, such as gratitude, appreciation, and curiosity, can enhance feedback by creating a supportive and trusting atmosphere. They can also boost the person's creativity, resilience, and openness to new ideas. When you give feedback, try to express genuine gratitude for the person's work and effort, appreciate their unique perspective and skills, and show curiosity about their challenges and aspirations. Avoid using negative emotions, such as anger, frustration, or disappointment, which can trigger defensiveness, resistance, or fear.

3 Set goals and expectations

Positive psychology also emphasizes the importance of setting clear and realistic goals and expectations for feedback. Goals and expectations can help the person understand the purpose and value of feedback, as well as the criteria and standards for success. They can also help them monitor their progress and celebrate their achievements. When you give feedback, make sure you align your goals and expectations with the person's needs, interests, and abilities. Also, make sure you communicate them clearly and explicitly, and check for understanding and agreement.

4 Provide resources and support

Another key aspect of positive psychology is providing resources and support for feedback. Resources and support can help the person access the information, tools, and opportunities they need to implement feedback and improve their performance. They can also help them cope with challenges, setbacks, or failures. When you give feedback, offer constructive and specific suggestions on how the person can improve their skills, knowledge, or behaviors. Also, offer your availability, guidance, and encouragement, and connect them with other sources of help or inspiration.

5 Invite feedback

Finally, positive psychology encourages inviting feedback as a way of enhancing your own feedback skills and learning from others. Inviting feedback can help you gain valuable insights, perspectives, and feedback on your own work and performance. It can also help you model a growth mindset, a collaborative attitude, and a willingness to improve. When you give feedback, ask for feedback in return, and listen actively and respectfully. Also, thank the person for their feedback, and act on it accordingly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?