Feedback Strategies

Photo Caption: Image of feedback terms.

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The first article I read was  'What Kinds of Messages Help Kids Grow?', I found it really interesting. It is such a simple process that has such easy logic behind it. In the article they explain how children are constantly learning and developing but what others can say to them in regards to feedback can be damaging to their 'mindset'. In the article they have many different strategies that can be used to help them accept feedback in a positive way. For example:

'Replace Generic Praise with Process Praise'

When giving praise to a child they may not register it in the way an adult would perceive it. So by making slight changes when giving praise it may help a child understand and process it different. For example, by replacing “Good job” with “Good job sharing with your sister there is a massive difference in how easy you can 'soften' 'feedback'.

They explain how by giving positive reinforcement to a child it helps them in the long run when struggling with a task. So if a child isn't able to do something, you should tell them they will soon be able to if they just keep trying.

Even though this article was meant to be directed towards parents and children I still believe some of these methods could be helpful for people of all ages.

The second article I read was called 'How to Give Feedback Without Sounding Like a Jerk', I found this article easy to read and quite fascinating. They gave many different examples on how to give feedback in the nicest ways possible which I found quite refreshing. For example: 

When giving the feedback realise that this person will take to heart what you say, you need to evaluate how to give this feedback in the best way possible. This phrase they used by 'taking yourself off a pedestal' I think is quite clever, it basically means that you want to bring yourself to the same level as your employee, student or whoever you'r giving the feedback to. 

'Take yourself off a pedestal'

When giving the feedback you have to realise that this person will take to heart what you say, you need to evaluate how to give this feedback in the best way possible. This phrase they used by 'taking yourself off a pedestal' I think is quite clever, it basically means that you want to bring yourself to the same level as your employee, student or whoever you are giving the feedback to and give them the feedback how you would want to receive it yourself.

Another easy step they provided when giving feedback is ' Have a transparent dialogue, not a manipulative monologue'.

They explained how what seemed to off worked for them is when giving the feedback just be as open and honest as you can. Explain to them why they are having this discussion with and explain it happening only to benefit the person receiving the feedback.

What I've learned is that feedback can be delivered in all ways, mostly when we think of feedback we assume the worst and that it will be negative but in reality the negative responses can be beneficial.

Below I have left a link to an article about : How to Empower your Staff through feedback: https://www.bytestart.co.uk/empower-staff-feedback.html

A strategy that I feel is best for me is that honesty is the best policy, and I will advise anyone and everyone to follow this.

thanks for reading 

- Mia x