What do you do if your feedback is causing conflict in a professional setting?

In a professional setting where feedback is causing conflict, it's crucial to delve into the underlying reasons for this discord. Understanding why the feedback is contentious can involve identifying missing information, clarifying any misconceptions on either side, or addressing differing perspectives on the feedback's validity. Being open to positive resolutions that prioritize the overall good of the company, such as constructive dialogue, mediation, or revisiting the feedback with additional context, can pave the way for resolving conflicts effectively and fostering a culture of growth and collaboration.

To share an experience, as A Product Manager, during a heated design review, I clashed with a Senior UX Designer, over the UI of a new app feature. While I initially pushed back on his concerns, I worried my defensiveness might have a negative impact. I questioned my communication style and whether I truly listened to his perspective. Then I opened a direct communication by scheduling a one-on-one conversation to apologize for my initial defensiveness and actively listen to his feelings. By assessing the impact and initiating open communication, we addressed the conflict. He felt valued, and we collaboratively refined the UI. The final design balanced user experience with visual appeal, exceeding expectations.

Address the conflict directly by emphasizing constructive feedback's intent: to foster growth and improvement. Encourage open dialogue to understand concerns and perspectives. Reframe feedback as an opportunity for mutual learning and development rather than criticism. Establish clear communication channels and guidelines for delivering feedback respectfully. Emphasize the importance of focusing on solutions and actionable steps forward to resolve conflicts positively.

Giving and receiving feedback is not easy. It is misunderstood very often as a moment to criticise someone, when in reality is an opportunity to grow and improve your results. Open conversation might be really helpful to understand each other and set the right solutions.

Approach privately, expressing a genuine desire to understand their perspective. Listen attentively without interruption or defensiveness, showing respect for their feelings. Through this dialogue, uncover underlying issues to facilitate mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

Customize your communication style to match the recipient's preferences, whether direct or nuanced. Utilize concrete examples to clarify points, emphasizing behaviors over personal traits. By adjusting your feedback style, you foster an environment of support and facilitate professional development with minimal conflict.

When conflicts persist, seeking mediation can be beneficial. A neutral third party facilitates constructive conversation, ensuring both viewpoints are heard. This safe space allows for mutual understanding and respectful resolution. Mediation helps maintain workplace harmony and fosters professional relationships.

Navigating the tricky waters of professional feedback is often likened to walking a tightrope, and let’s be honest most of us have been on the receiving end more than once and if done badly it cuts deep! Providing feedback requires a balance of honesty, tact, and timing to ensure that the message is not only delivered but received in the spirit intended. When feedback is met with conflict see it as an opportunity for growth to improve your communication, strengthen workplace relationships, and foster personal development. Addressing feedback conflicts not only sharpens interpersonal skills but also teaches us adaptability, clear communication, and empathy, improving our professional interactions and leadership abilities.

Our team was finalizing a new feature for an e-commerce platform. During the review SSE felt the simplified checkout might overlook critical security measures, potentially compromising user data. I defended my choices, citing user research that prioritized speed and ease of use. We ended up compromising on some aspects of the checkout flow. After the meeting, I realized I might have missed an opportunity for deeper collaboration. To learn from the experience, I self-evaluated the situation and questioned my communication style. Did I present my design with an openness to feedback? I tried to see the situation from SSE's perspective. His security concerns were valid, and his experience could have strengthened the overall design.

As a Tech Career Coach, I often guide clients through navigating challenging workplace situations, especially when feedback becomes a source of conflict. One of my clients - an ASE, confided in me about a recent code review gone wrong. She had presented her code for a new feature and her SSE has provided scathing feedback, criticizing the code's structure and efficiency. She felt belittled and discouraged. After our session, by prioritizing professionalism, she sent an email to the SSE expressing her appreciation for his feedback and requesting a follow-up meeting to discuss his concerns in more detail. He also responded positively. During the meeting, he explained his reasoning and provided constructive steps for code improvement.

Learn from it. Where did it go wrong? Is it in the way you addressed it? Maybe you weren't specific enough? Perhaps the person didn't ask for feedback and wasn't ready for it. Maybe you didn't give a clear path to green? Whatever it is, reflect on it, take responsibility and think about how you can do better next time. As you grow in a company, you need to master the art of giving feedback without burning bridges.