Prep carefully when giving feedback

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As organizers we are often called on to give feedback to our colleagues, volunteers, and even our supervisors. I find it helpful to think of feedback in terms of pluses, things that a person does that helps her achieve her goal, and deltas, things that a person could do differently to better meet goals in the future. 

Giving feedback can be stressful for both parties, but there are a few ways you can make it a cleaner, more effective experience. It's critical to prep yourself and the other party appropriately, so that your feedback can be effective. Here are three steps I always take at the beginning of the process:

1. Observe carefully. If you haven't paid close attention to the work the person's doing, your feedback could be counterproductive. Not just what they do, but how they do it. So take time to observe.
2. Take notes. While observing the person in action (whether they're giving a training, a public speech, holding a 1:1, facilitating a meeting, or if you're looking at a piece of their work like a draft agenda), make sure you note what works. Even when a person is really struggling, if you watch with an empathetic eye, you'll see where they shine. Also note where the person is struggling, and what specifically seems to be falling short. Be specific so you're not just giving vague generalities. 
3. Make the purpose of the discussion clear. Before giving feedback, let the person know that you'd like to give them feedback as a learning opportunity. Stress that improvement is a value that you and your organization hold. If you're not clear up front why you're providing feedback, it may blindside the person and leave them in a defensive crouch. It can also help to ask them to come prepared with thoughts on their own performance, so they have agency in the discussion.

Next week, I'll offer some thoughts on effectively delivering your feedback. In the meantime, what steps do you take to prepare yourself to give feedback? Share in the comments!

Jake Waxman is Field Training Director at NOI

Photo from EverJean, via Creative Commons