Feedback; Importance, Types & Process

Feedback is a process in which the effect an action is ‘returned‘(fed-back) to modify the next action.

It is a dialogue between people which reflects back how another person sees someone else's behavior or performance.

Importance of Feedback

Feedback provides strengths and weakness to the receiver

A low-feedback may be harmful to business.

Employees are able to check their performance effectiveness

Types of Feedback

• Constructive Feedback (Positive feedback)  and Destructive (Negative) Feedback
• Intrinsic Feedback is the feedback that is received from inside the organization and Extrinsic Feedback which is the feedback that is received from outside the organization.
• Immediate feedback is the feedback given on the spot due to an efficient communication system vs  Delayed Feedback is the feedback that is delivered late due to the inefficient communication system. 

Process of Giving Feedback

1. Identify the problem clearly

Invest your time in assessing the situation and identifying the problem.

2. Select a time and a place

Selecting an appropriate environment to give feedback is highly important. Feedback should be given in person and in private.

3. Describe the behavior

- Explain that feedback focuses on specific behavior and not on the person as a whole, and should not be taken as an attack, insult or negative criticism.

- Focus on the observations you have regarding a specific behavior. Feedback is not a judgment.

5. Make your case

These observations are not interpretations or conclusions, just facts that affect you/your team/organization. Explain how this behavior is influencing his/her peers.

6. Outline the positive consequences

People usually react to positive reinforcements that detail how they are beneficial to him/her.

7. Outline the negative consequences

If the positive reactions are not enough to convince him/her, you have to have to resort to explaining the negative reinforcements and punishments that are going to affect him/her.

8. Plan for change

The final step should describe a clear commitment to change or improvement and a clear plan on how to achieve this goal.

Receiving Effective Feedback

Listen to the feedback carefully.

Ask for it to be repeated if you did not hear it clearly.

Ask for clarification and examples

Accept it positively (for consideration) rather than dismissively (for self-protection).

Ask for suggestions of ways you might modify or change your behavior.

Respect and thank the person for giving feedback.