Wood Badge: Feedback is a Gift

Last week, I wrote about Listening to Learn.  If listening is one side of a conversation, feedback is the other side.  At Wood Badge, I learned important points about giving feedback.

• What are your motives for giving feedback?
• Is the other person open to receiving feedback?
• Deal only with behavior that can be changed.
• Be specific - avoid generalities.
• Describe - not evaluate- behavior.
• Let them know he impact the behavior has on you.
• Use "I" statements.
• Ask them to rephrase what you said to make sure they understood what you are trying to say.

I love this quote about feedback!  "You can give caring feedback without a good technique, but he slickest technique in the world will not hide a lack of caring."


Thee are a few tips for receiving feedback too.

• Seek out feedback.  It will help you.
• Listen actively, rephrase what you heard.
• Listen empathetically.  What is their purpose for offering feedback?
• Notice how you are feeling.  Anger or defensiveness interferes with your ability to listen.

When feedback is given and received with caring and consideration, it is truly a gift. This week I will ask for feedback and listen more effectively.