Before You Give Feedback

A client was asking me about how to get better at giving feedback, specifically if I had any tools she could use.

As an HR leader, this is an important skill especially given her role coaching other leaders on the same topic.

The problem is, it's easy to jump into using a framework (e.g. SBI) without exploring your relationship to feedback in the first place. How you relate to feedback inevitably impacts how you deliver and receive it, regardless of any tools you have at your disposal.

What I discovered is that she and her leadership team generally believed and accepted that the practice of giving and receiving feedback is "tough."

The impact was that feedback conversations were stressful, produced a lot of anxiety and, as a result, weren't happening often enough.

Before trying on a new framework, explore how you relate to feedback, the impact it's having on your leadership, and how you might create a shift for yourself and your organization.

For example, what if the story you choose to believe is that feedback is connection, generosity and a demonstration of brave and humble leadership? You might accomplish a lot more from that place.