Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Feedback, Its Importance & Types
Feedback, Its Importance & Types
types
What is Feedback?
Example of judgmental
Example of non-judgmental
Supportive–critical
• Supportive feedback accepts the speaker and what the speaker says.
It occurs, for example, when you console another, encourage him or
her to talk, or otherwise confirm the person’s definition of self.
• Critical feedback, on the other hand, is evaluative; it’s judgmental.
When you give critical feedback (whether positive or negative), you
judge another’s performance—as in, for example, coaching someone
learning a new skill.
Conclusion
• Of course, these categories are not exclusive. Feedback does not have
to be either critical or supportive; it can be both. For example, in
talking with someone who is trying to become a more effective
interviewer, you might critically evaluate a practice interview but also
express support for the effort. Similarly, you might respond to a
friend’s question immediately and then after a day or two elaborate
on your response. Because each situation is unique, it’s difficult to
offer specific suggestions for making your feedback more effective.
But, with some adjustments for the specifics of the situation, the
following guides might prove helpful:
Conclusion
• < Focus on the message rather than the motives behind the message or behavior. Say, for
example, “You forgot my birthday” rather than “You don’t love me.”
< If your feedback is largely negative, try to begin with something positive. There are
always positives if you look hard enough. The negatives will be much easier to take, after
hearing some positives.
< Ask for feedback on your feedback, for example, say “Does this make sense?” “Do you
understand what I want our relationship to be?”
< When you’re the recipient of feedback, be sure to show your interest in feedback. This
is vital information that will help you improve whatever you’re doing. Encourage the
feedback giver. Be open to hearing this feedback. Don’t argue; don’t be defensive.
< Check your perceptions. Do you understand the feedback? Ask questions. Not all
feedback is easy to understand; after all, a wink, a backward head nod, or a smile can
each signal a variety of different messages. When you don’t understand the meaning of
the feedback, ask for clarification (nondefensively, of course). Paraphrase the feedback
you’ve just received to make sure you both understand it: “You’d be comfortable taking
over the added responsibilities if I went back to school?”