The Art of Giving Feedback

A crucial leadership skill that many find challenging is giving feedback.

We can’t talk about giving feedback without first addressing the practice of avoiding feedback.

Have you ever caught yourself using one of these excuses to dodge giving feedback?

• “I don’t want to hurt their feelings”
• “They might not like me if I give the feedback”
• “I don’t want this to become a personal battle”
• “The issue will go away on its own”

If so, it’s time for a mindset shift.

Today is the day we put those excuses in the past. No more dodging, no more procrastinating.

When you avoid giving feedback, you’re preventing your team members from the chance to change, learn, grow, and develop!

Instead of seeing feedback as a dreaded task, try this perspective instead:

“It’s my job as a leader to give feedback so that I can help my team members grow and develop. Without this feedback, it is more difficult for them to learn and improve.”

Once you start to see feedback as a beneficial tool for your team, you then need to discover how to give feedback in an effective, productive way. 

Here are the key principles to keep in mind:

• Be objective, not judgmental: Feedback should never be a personal attack. It’s about helping someone improve.
• Focus on specific behaviours: Don’t generalize. Point out exact actions or behaviours.
• Be clear: Being unclear is being unkind. Say what you mean, and say it directly.
• Be concise: The fluff often confuses people. Get to the point.
• Give feedback promptly: Don’t let issues fester. Address them as soon as possible.

Let’s practice giving non-judgemental feedback with an example. Instead of saying: “You’re always late, and it’s really unprofessional.”

Try this: “I’ve noticed you’ve arrived 15 minutes after our agreed start time for the last three team meetings. This delays our ability to start on time and impacts the team’s productivity. Can we discuss how to ensure you’re able to arrive on time for future meetings?”

See the difference?

It’s specific, objective, clear, and opens the door for a constructive conversation.

The next time you find yourself reaching for an excuse not to give feedback, take a deep breath and remember why feedback is important.

Then, using the principles we’ve discussed, have that conversation.

It might feel uncomfortable at first. That’s normal.

Like any skill, giving effective feedback gets easier with practice.  

As a leader, you have the power to help your team grow and excel.

Don’t let your discomfort rob them of that opportunity.

Are you avoiding feedback? 

Are you nervous that your feedback might hurt someone's feelings or be demotivating for them? 

Would you like to learn how to give feedback properly and effectively? 

If so, please join me on October 31st at 12:00pm EST.

I am donating my time to Victim Services Toronto to share with you practical ways to give both positive and constructive feedback. 

For just a $20 donation, you’ll learn one of the most important leadership skills.

Thanks to my clients Darla Khawaja and Stephen Hayward at Project X Ltd. for sponsoring this incredible initiative!

They are not only leaders in the data analytics field but also people who care deeply about the world around them! 

Now that is great leadership!