Enjoy giving feedback - Top 5 tips

Giving accurate feedback on time is the number one trait of a successful manager, and yet many find it an arduous task. Giving positive feedback might be easy, but disseminating critical feedback can be challenging. Procrastination in giving feedback because of discomfort can severely compromise the efficacy of feedback. Delayed feedback, even if accurate, may not be potent or productive enough.

Here are the top 5 must-dos that you must keep in mind whenever you are giving feedback. Some of these tips may fly against conventional wisdom, and a few may be relatable to one's common sense.

Tip #1: Pure intent is essential

Examine your intent before giving feedback. Does it stem from a genuine sense to improve the person or the situation, or is there any other vested interest? Even if your delivery is perfect, an impure or disingenuous intent will not have the desired impact. In many instances, it may erode your credibility or even diminish your stature.

Tip #2: Be aware of your emotions. Harness them to deliver an impeccable feedback

The number one cause for derailing an otherwise well-delivered observation can be your emotions. It is essential to become aware and harness your emotions to give robust feedback. Without awareness, emotions can take over your system, and you may say inappropriate things. However, if one is aware of one's feelings at all times, the emotion of anger or disappointment juxtaposed with pure intent will aid impeccable delivery of your feedback.

Tip #3: Give feedback promptly. Overcome your fears and discomfort

Do not ever postpone giving feedback. Do not wait for the annual, quarterly review mechanisms to deliver your comments. Expressions, when delivered immediately after the event are most potent. Even if you feel uncomfortable, analyze your own emotions. Do you shirk because of your fears? Does the thought of what others think or how they will be towards you make you cringe from the idea of sharing your observation? Very often, one's fears, desire to retain a right image, fear of hurting others prevents us from doing what is right. One must overcome these roadblocks within oneself- if you deliver your feedback while under the influence of such feelings, you may seriously jeopardize your effectiveness.

Tip #4: There are no rules governing the how and what of the process

There are various misconceptions about giving feedback. One must do in private, shy away from using harsh language, always couch your negative criticism with positive aspects etc. But none of them qualifies as a general principle. As long as you follow the three tips mentioned above, it does not matter how you do it. Sometimes, the situation may demand harsh language. Soft language may not have the desired impact on the other person. Sometimes, it may be necessary to deliver feedback in public. Every situation demands a unique response and one must go with the flow of the moment rather than operating from preconceived notions.

Tip #5: How you feel after delivery is a direct indication of the efficacy of feedback

Criticize the action and not the person. One should avoid passing judgements on the person or generalizing their actions. Being specific helps, but if the particular activity is a part of a more generic pattern, bring that to the person's notice. If you feel good, non-judgemental and lighter, then you can be sure that you did the job well. But if you are beleaguered by doubts or assailed by niggling emotions, somewhere, you have been amiss.