Senior Executives, how are you at giving feedback to your team? Let’s take a page from the Olympics over the weekend on what NOT to do. Here are 5 Steps:
1. Begin by asking the other person, “Are you open to some feedback?” This gives them an option to engage with you.
2. When you’re about to give positive or constructive feedback, start by thinking about your non-verbals first. This means you need to be authentic, meet them with genuine eye contact, and lean in a little physically. A warm demeanor speaks volumes. Smile.
3. Now think of the words. Start with a compliment. Start with something that you truly value about the person. It must be real.
4. Focus constructive feedback on a task, skill, or measurable change that can be made. Avoid comments that sound like personal attacks.
5. Give them time to respond to you. Appreciate that they listened and thank them. Follow up as needed to determine improvement.
You Tell Me:
Senior Executives, drop the word “Feedback” in the chat if you have given positive feedback to someone on your team in the last 7 days. What did you say to them?
The feedback given to the figure skaters over the weekend did not follow these guidelines. As a mom of teenagers who are the same ages as these skaters, it stung.
