The Art of Feedback

The Art of Feedback

One of the most valuable contributions anyone can make to another person’s learning is

constructive comments. To offer another person feedback about their work indicates both that you care enough about them to spend your time considering their situation and that their work is worthy of your attention. As a manager this is one aspect of your job that will add value not only to your employee, but to your company as well. In some businesses feedback is offered from peer-to-peer. The two types of feedback that will be discussed are: giving and receiving feedback both positive and constructive.

Giving feedback

Giving feedback means offering someone information about his or her behavior that we either like or do not like. It takes awareness and skill to give critical feedback effectively. It's an art to tell someone that we do not like what they did and what we would like them to do differently in the future while keeping, or creating, a friendly connection with them.

To be an effective manager, you need to be skilled at giving out both praise and criticism. While praise is easy to give, it is far more challenging and unpleasant to criticize your employees. Yet the practice of management requires you to occasionally show employees where they need to improve.

Giving positive feedback is relatively the easiest form of feedback to give someone. People want to know that they are doing a good job or their job performance is really appreciated. Adler, Elmhorst & Lucas, (2013) stated, “Some kinds of feedback are a pleasure while other forms are necessary but tough to deliver.” Feedback when given at the proper time can help boost confidence for a fellow co-worker, a subordinate, and even your child.

Nigel, (2012) stated, “When team members give success and guidance feedback to each other effectively, they are better able to communicate openly as a team, and to identify and discuss problems freely.” During my career at Logan Aluminum...