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What Makes Good Feedback Good?

Good feedback is one of the most valuable and vital aspects of building a strong organisational culture.

If you need a list of reasons why, here are some of its benefits.

Good feedback …

  • Helps focus people toward accomplishing their goals more effectively
  • Builds self-awareness, self confidence, competence and decision-making skills
  • Recognises important contributions, to the team, a project, a client, etc.
  • Builds a strong organisational cultural internally
  • Prevents the wasting of valuable energies and resources
  • Reinforces positive habits and ‘compassionate persistence,’ the ongoing concept of helping others with follow-through and commitment
  • Strengthens relationships

So, I’ve outlined below the nine qualities of good feedback, below left. For contrast, I’ve shown the negatives attributes of criticism on the right.

What makes good feedback 'good'?

Good Feedback

Explicit:  the feedback is precise

Constructive:  as in genuine and positive

Focused on solutions:  and by extension, their focus in on the future

Practical and open suggestions:  the receiver can adapt to their skills and personality

Benefits the receiver:  they want them to be even better

Thoughtful and insightful:  considered and rational, no emotional off-hand comments

Objective:  no agenda

Learning is self-discovery:  it’s about helping the person develop their self-awareness

The meeting itself is balanced and collaborative

Poor Criticism

Vague or unfocused

Destructive, as in insulting or condescending

Focused on the past, especially assigning blame

Clichéd, unrealistic suggestions:  not tailored to the individual, no discussion about how to apply

Benefits the speaker:  only interested in themselves

Sweeping generalisations

Political, benefiting management

Learning is administered and lectured:  do as I say

The meeting is one-sided, they do most of the talking and little active listening

If it helps, a JPG and a slide.

Any other qualities you’d add?  Please include your thoughts and opinions below in the Comments section below.

 

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What Makes Good Feedback Good?

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