Feedback: is it important?

Feedback is valuable to any person, business or leader. Feedback means the observations or comments or reactions about an experience. This can be either positive or constructive. Feedback is useful in all manner of relationships for instance between husband and wife, customer interactions, parent-child relationships, work relationships between leader and direct reports.

‘Feedback is the breakfast of champions’. Ken Blanchard.

Feedback hurts, yes it does. It requires restraint and self awareness for one not to take offense and respond emotionally. If used well, feedback can sharpen and elevate a person.

Feedback is as good as it is specific and timely. When a member of my team makes a good presentation, I make it a point to compliment them and be specific about what I liked in their presentation. If I wait and give this feedback a week later, it will not have much effect.

I have a nephew who cooks really well but sometimes, he doesn’t put as much salt or species as he should or he’s too generous with the garlic. Over time, my feedback on the quantities has helped him to improve his cooking.

Key aspects when giving feedback.

• Be specific, don’t generalize for instance you are so good.
• Be timely.
• Consider the receiver’s personality. Some people are introverts and don’t want to be given feedback publicly.
• Give the positive feedback first.
• Be kind and gracious.
• Have good intentions; to improve the person and not make him feel bad.
• The ‘how’ matters. Be mindful of how you package the feedback. Some people are emotional so you have to craft the feedback in a certain way for it to be accepted.

To the receiver

• Listen and don’t defend.
• Don’t take things personally.
• Ask for details and clarity where need be.
• Do something about it. Act. Make adjustments.

Proverbs 15:31

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.