“It is not the strongest species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most capable of change.” -Charles Darwin
The art of adapting your speech
Adopting constructive feedback means firstly understanding the ambitions and aspirations of your colleagues. Ensuring your message aligns with their personal goals not only ensures that the feedback will be well received, but also that it will be valuable and lead to real growth.
Relevance above all
Prioritizing relevance in your feedback means prioritizing quality over quantity. Provide targeted, positive feedback and engage in frank discussion that validates mutual understanding of the points discussed. This is the recipe for a fruitful and less intimidating exchange.
Immediacy: a major asset
Why wait for the annual assessment? Feedback must be immediate and linked to actions. This reduces anxiety and promotes better receptivity. “Coffee chats” are an agile and relaxed method for effective and caring feedback.
Kindness as a standard
Taking personal context into account is crucial. The goal is not to judge, but to offer a neutral perspective that promotes improvement. The SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) model can be a valuable tool for structuring your feedback in a constructive way.
Conclusion
Feedback, when done well, becomes a valuable professional gift, establishing a strong and respectful working partnership. It is a reflection of your commitment to your colleagues and proof that the professional environment can be caring and conducive to development.