From whom would you rather receive work performance feedback – your boss or your coworkers? Many people fear the boss less. That’s because supervisors generally follow conventional rules of feedback, which make it easier to accept, while coworkers often take a “no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners” approach which can be very difficult to handle. As a group, coworkers’ feedback can be a force to help you change and grow, even more than a supervisor’s, so why not adopt some rules of engagement that will make giving and taking feedback from colleagues more effective and easier to hear? Here are some suggestions.
Put the Focus on Behavior, Not Personality
Focus on your coworkers’ behavior, actions, statements, and results when giving feedback, rather than on the people themselves. Feedback is much easier to accept when the person receiving it does not feel their personal worth is being criticized. It is much better to state feedback positively, rather than negatively, when possible. At least, be tactful. Then, offer suggestions on how to improve performance.
It’s How You Say It that Counts
For example: 1) Don’t say someone was “boring” while giving a presentation, as that labels him or her negatively and hurts self-esteem. Instead, identify the parts of the presentation that could have been better and suggest ways to make them more interesting. 2) Be specific. It isn’t helpful when you say, “Your presentation wasn’t very interesting.” Instead, say “Your presentation would be improved by changing your delivery and offering details to hold the listeners’ attention.” Then make suggestions, e.g., “Mary, you need to speak louder and put more energy into your presentation delivery so people feel your passion.” Mary, you could also give details about where you got your idea for the whatchamacallit’ and how you created a prototype.” 3) Tell your colleague what’s working well, e.g., “Wow, you really dressed nicely for that presentation, Robert, and it was just the right length. You have a terrific vocabulary!”
Good Things Come in Threes
Employee educators are often advised when giving feedback to “give three to glow on and one to grow on.” Don’t overwhelm your colleagues with too much criticism. Focus only on one or two important points. Let your coworkers hear at least three things you appreciated so that they know you value their efforts despite the constructive criticism you’re offering.
Resistance Isn’t Futile, It’s a Good Sign
Nothing is more frustrating than being copied on an e-mail chain about a topic that doesn’t concern you. Abuse of the “reply all” function reduces productivity, creates confusion, and eventually causes employees to disregard important communications because they no longer have the time to filter relevant information from the avalanche of information overflowing from their in-boxes. Before hitting the send button, mentally verify that each person on the copy list needs access to the information contained within.
When the Feedback Doesn’t Fit
When it’s your turn to receive constructive criticism from colleagues, listen carefully, rephrase their comments in your own words for clarification, and ask questions. If they don’t give you specifics, ask for them. Ask for suggestions, as well. Don’t let your ego get involved! If you feel you had a valid reason for the action they are criticizing, state the reason calmly and ask, “Do you think I should have handled that another way?” When they finish, thank them and tell them you will think carefully about the feedback. You may discover that they have given you excellent ideas for improving your performance. Following these rules of engagement will give you and your colleagues an effective and non-threatening procedure for giving and receiving feedback about work performance.
