Here's how you can deliver feedback respectfully and empathetically.
Giving feedback is a delicate art, especially in the professional sphere where the balance between honesty and sensitivity is crucial. You're not just offering criticism; you're engaging in a process that can foster growth and improve performance if done correctly. To do this, you must deliver your feedback in a way that is both respectful and empathetic, ensuring that the recipient is receptive to your message and motivated to make positive changes. Let's explore how to master this skill, which can strengthen your relationships and enhance your effectiveness as a communicator.
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Jyoti KhandelwalTrade Forex|| Export-Import ||Loan Operations Specialist || Disbursement || Compliance || KYC || AML || STR filing ||…
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Dr. Aurobindo Kiriyakere, Ph.D.LinkedIn "Top Communication Voice" | PhD-MBA-BE | Author | Educator | Academician | Researcher | Trainer | Project…
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Skye Collacott WilliamsonPresident & Editor-in-Chief of HUB Magazine, Radio Host & Social Media Officer of HUB Radio and Photographer. English…
Before you approach someone with feedback, it's essential to prepare. This means taking the time to gather concrete examples that support your points. Focus on specific behaviors or outcomes rather than personality traits. By being prepared, you can structure your feedback around facts, which makes it easier for the other person to understand and accept your perspective. Remember, preparation also involves considering the timing and setting of the conversation to ensure it's conducive to a productive discussion.
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Dr. Aurobindo Kiriyakere, Ph.D.
LinkedIn "Top Communication Voice" | PhD-MBA-BE | Author | Educator | Academician | Researcher | Trainer | Project Manager | Distinguished Toastmaster | Keynote Speaker | 3000+ followers | 200,000+ Post Impressions |
Delivering feedback respectfully and empathetically involves: 🧿 Being prepared thoroughly: This allows you to focus on specific areas for improvement. With clear examples, you can provide actionable feedback that's easy to understand and address. 🧿 Focusing on the behavior, not the person: Separate the action from the individual. When prepared, you can frame your feedback around the impact of the behavior, making it less personal and more constructive. Was it helpful?👍
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Prashant Srivastava
Online marketing executive at Natural Fibres Export
Prepare for the Conversation Clear Objectives: Know what you want to achieve with your feedback. Be clear about the purpose and desired outcome. Specific Examples: Gather specific examples to illustrate your points. This makes your feedback concrete and actionable. 2. Choose the Right Time and Place Private Setting: Provide feedback in a private setting to avoid embarrassing the recipient. Timeliness: Give feedback close to the time of the event to ensure relevance and impact
When you begin the conversation, start with positive feedback. This isn't about sugarcoating the issues, but about creating a balanced view of the person's performance. By acknowledging their strengths and contributions first, you create a foundation of goodwill and show that you recognize their value. This positive beginning can make it easier for them to digest the more critical aspects of your feedback without feeling attacked or undervalued.
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Jyoti Khandelwal
Trade Forex|| Export-Import ||Loan Operations Specialist || Disbursement || Compliance || KYC || AML || STR filing || Payment Settlement || Reconciliation ||MBA,Finance &HR || HDFC BANK || Ex AU
To deliver feedback respectfully and empathically, be specific and clear, use "I" statements, and balance positive remarks with constructive criticism. Provide timely feedback, focus on actions rather than character, and consider the recipient's feelings. Offer improvement suggestions and support, listen actively, maintain a respectful tone, and follow up to check progress and acknowledge improvements.
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Dr. Aurobindo Kiriyakere, Ph.D.
LinkedIn "Top Communication Voice" | PhD-MBA-BE | Author | Educator | Academician | Researcher | Trainer | Project Manager | Distinguished Toastmaster | Keynote Speaker | 3000+ followers | 200,000+ Post Impressions |
Here's how starting positively but not sugarcoating helps deliver respectful and empathetic feedback: 🧿 Sets a Constructive Tone: Acknowledging their effort and strengths upfront shows respect and appreciation. It softens the approach and makes them more receptive to your feedback. 🧿 Maintains Focus: By highlighting positive aspects, you keep the conversation focused on improvement, not criticism. It creates a collaborative environment for growth. 🧿 Preserves Dignity: Positive reinforcement avoids making them feel defensive or belittled. They're more likely to be open to your suggestions. Was it helpful?👍
Clarity is key when delivering feedback. Avoid vague statements that can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Instead, be specific about what actions or behaviors need improvement. Use clear examples and focus on the impact of these behaviors on the team or project. Specific feedback not only helps the recipient understand the issue but also provides them with a clear direction for change.
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Dr. Aurobindo Kiriyakere, Ph.D.
LinkedIn "Top Communication Voice" | PhD-MBA-BE | Author | Educator | Academician | Researcher | Trainer | Project Manager | Distinguished Toastmaster | Keynote Speaker | 3000+ followers | 200,000+ Post Impressions |
Delivering feedback respectfully and empathetically involves being specific: 🧿 Clear Focus: Instead of vague statements like "good job" or "needs work," pinpoint the specific behavior or work aspect needing improvement. This avoids confusion and focuses on the area for growth. 🧿 Reduced Defensiveness: Specificity minimizes misinterpretations and keeps the feedback objective. The recipient is less likely to feel personally attacked and more receptive to improvement. 🧿 Actionable Steps: Specific feedback allows the recipient to understand exactly what to do differently. This clarity empowers them to take action and improve their performance. Hope it helps!👍
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Skye Collacott Williamson
President & Editor-in-Chief of HUB Magazine, Radio Host & Social Media Officer of HUB Radio and Photographer. English Literature with Writing Student and Module Rep of British Fiction at UWE. Retail Assistant, WHSmith.
In the growing era of feedback via team meetings and emails, people find it the most useful to have specific, clear feedback. I found it the most helpful to use examples both from their work or similar to help them understand and learn rather than just criticise them. I would keep a note about the feedback for their next piece and look to see if they have learnt from the previous feedback to then either give positive feedback of improvement or find another way to help them learn.
Feedback should be a two-way conversation. After sharing your thoughts, give the other person a chance to respond. Listen actively to their perspective without interrupting or jumping to conclusions. This shows respect for their viewpoint and can provide insights into factors you may not have considered. Active listening can also help defuse potential defensiveness and promote a more open and constructive dialogue.
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Liudmyla (Mila) Yanovska
When giving feedback, active listening is essential. Maintain eye contact and nod occasionally to show you are engaged and understanding their perspective. Paraphrase their responses and ask clarifying questions to ensure you fully grasp their viewpoint before delivering your feedback. Acknowledge their concerns and validate their feelings to foster a constructive and empathetic dialogue, making the feedback more effective and meaningful.
After delivering the feedback, offer support and assistance in addressing the issues raised. This could involve setting goals, providing resources, or simply being available for further discussion. Offering support demonstrates your commitment to their growth and reinforces the idea that the feedback is meant to be constructive and not punitive. It's an essential step in maintaining a positive relationship and encouraging improvement.
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Dr. Aurobindo Kiriyakere, Ph.D.
LinkedIn "Top Communication Voice" | PhD-MBA-BE | Author | Educator | Academician | Researcher | Trainer | Project Manager | Distinguished Toastmaster | Keynote Speaker | 3000+ followers | 200,000+ Post Impressions |
🧿Focus on solutions, not blame: Deliver feedback by offering help. Instead of accusatory statements ("You missed the deadline"), suggest solutions ("Is there anything I can do to help you meet future deadlines?"). This shows empathy & positions you as a supportive resource 🧿Frame "I" statements: Own your perspective. Instead of "Your presentation was unclear," say "I found it hard to understand X part. Can we clarify it together?" This reduces defensiveness & opens a dialogue for improvement 🧿Highlight effort & offer next steps: Acknowledge their work. Before suggesting changes, say "I appreciate the effort you put into this report. To strengthen it, we could focus on X." This validates their work while offering constructive feedback
Finally, don't let the conversation be the end of the process. Schedule a follow-up to discuss progress and any additional support needed. This reinforces the importance of the feedback and shows that you are invested in seeing real change. It also provides an opportunity to acknowledge improvements, which can be highly motivating for the recipient.
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