Feedback Strategies

(image source: matterapp)

 

I chose Be a Mirror: Give Readers Feedback That Fosters a Growth Mindset and How to Give Bad Feedback Without Being a Jerk for this post. These two articles give great tips about giving feedback.

I have never been good at giving feedback, because I don't know what to say. I know if an essay is good or bad, but beyond that I'm at a loss. How do I tell the person their writing is awful without outright saying it's awful? How do I say it's good without just saying "this is good."?

Be a Mirror explains rather well how to do this — "be specific, focus on what the reader is doing (not on what is missing), focus on the process, and take yourself out of the feedback."

This is such simple advice, and I'm not sure why I never thought to do this. I think I just worry too much about hurting someone's feelings. 

The jerk article really narrows down how to give feedback without being a jerk — "explain why you're giving feedback, take yourself off a pedestal, ask if the person wants feedback, and have a transparent dialogue."

I think this advice tends to lean more toward in person/work feedback, but the advice is sound. Instead of trying to beat around the bush, be direct with your feedback and explain your reasons for the feedback.

I think I need to practice giving feedback, and being more confident in the feedback I give. I know that I'm not just being mean, and if I word it in a way that makes my meaning abundantly clear, then it benefits everyone involved.