Thursday, July 2, 2009

"Sugar Coating" Needed Feedback

Have you ever noticed many people like to "start with the positive" when they really are just trying to sugar coat the real reason they want to provide you feedback?

There is a real difference between being part of a positive outlook and throwing out a positive thing so you can feel like you won't hurt the feelings of another person.

If you feel like you are going to hurt the feelings of another person ... you probably will!

What is the desired outcome of your feedback and of your message? What is the POSITIVE desired outcome? What will they be able to DO with your feedback? If you cannot see a positive outcome, if you cannot go into a feedback session (formal or informal) with a constructive viewpoint FOR THEM, then you will certainly pass on that negative outlook to them.

People don't hate constructive feedback when they TRUST the other person has their good intentions in mind. In some ways, when you need to provide someone some constructive feedback, it works as a good barometer on the trust level in your relationship overall.

Build trust and the doors will be open. Don't have it and the doors will be closed.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Great post, I trust and value advice from people who I know will give it to me straight. I am also always looking to grow professionally so getting feedback in the workplace is vital to measure where I could be improving.