How to Give Good Feedback in 5 Simple Steps

Dec 28

Written By Coach Cesar

Want people to ACTUALLY listen to you WITHOUT getting defensive?

Then you need a—

Feedback Strategy

Because shooting from the hip doesn’t work.

You NEED a game plan.

Here’s how to give effective feedback in 5 simple steps:

1. Ask

Before giving feedback — get rid of any false assumptions by just asking them.

Also, make sure you don’t sound like you’re accusing them or implying anything. Or they’re going to get defensive.

For example:

Right: “Hey John, could you tell me a little bit more about [x]?”

Wrong: “John... Why did you do [x]?!?!”

2. Think

Think about WHAT you wanna say and HOW you wanna say it.

Consider things like their personality and culture. So you can make your approach better resonate with them.

For example:

Do they like to laugh? Then break the ice with a joke!

Does their culture value direct communication? Then don’t beat around the bush with your feedback.

Does their culture value indirect communication? Then give your feedback more as a suggestion.

3. Schedule

Next, ask the person IF and WHEN it’s a good time to give them feedback.

This gives the person the SPACE and TIME to be ready and open to your feedback.

And make sure to do this in private.

Not everyone wants the attention.

Be it negative OR positive.

4. Discuss

Now it’s time to give your feedback.

First — let them know how you normally would give feedback in this situation. This way they’ll feel less singled out and they’ll know you’re just trying to help them.

Next — give your feedback, but focus on the BEHAVIOR and not the PERSON.

This way they won’t get defensive.

5. Conclude

After you’ve given your feedback, ask them to paraphrase your conversation so you’re on the same page.

And then, ask them what THEY want to do next. This way they’re more likely to ACTUALLY change their behavior.

Because THEY’RE the one coming up with the changes.

Then offer them some guidance on their next steps. And schedule a time to review their progress.

Boost your team's performance in 2 months

Leading a cross-cultural team is HARD. You and I both know that.

If you want to:

Build stronger trust
Improve communication
Increase retention
Promote collaboration

and finally get the results you KNOW you’re capable of…

Check out LeadershipDNA.org

You won’t regret it!

Coach Cesar