Feedback that Makes a Difference

Someone asks you to give them feedback on their performance, presentation, or report. Do you do it even though you would rather not?

When the request is genuine and you know the person asking will learn from what you have to say, it's an opportunity to make a difference. Seize it.

If there is a lot of room for improvement, limit your comments to two or three. Even if the listener is willing there is still a limit to how much they can absorb at one time. Decide what is most important. At the conclusion of your feedback, let them know you have more ideas to share with them at another time.

Use positive words and action verbs in your suggestions. They motivate. Include possible outcomes as a result of their follow through on the feedback. Positive outcomes are the carrot they will be encouraged to follow. Take time to include a story that reinforces why they should adopt your suggestions. Stories are the "visual aid" supporting your ideas.

Effectively presented, feedback makes a difference and we all want to make a difference.