Giving (and receiving) feedback

Why?

• Better communication
• Address problems early

Types of feedback

• Affirmative  

Types of feedback

• Affirmative
• Constructive

Types of feedback

• Affirmative
• Constructive
• Passive

Types of feedback

• Affirmative
• Constructive
• Passive
• Critical

Giving feedback is a skill

It takes practice and development

Feedback 101

• Be specific, thoughtful and direct

Feedback 101

• Be specific, thoughtful and direct
• In (SITUATION) when you did (BEHAVIOR), the outcome was (IMPACT)

Examples: https://youtu.be/RsfNS9HSWQs?t=13m45s

Be clear about purpose

Listen actively

• Listen intentionally
• Listen to listen, not to respond
• Confirm what you've heard

Accepting feedback

• Don't diminish your efforts
• Don't argue or push back
• Say "thank you"

Responding

• Take time to think about it
• Wait until you are less emotional
• Think about what to do next

Assume positive intent

Both when giving and receiving feedback

Ask before delivering unsolicited feedback

Don't give too much feedback at once

Don't give constructive feedback in public

Sometimes constructive critical feedback is necessary

Don't try to soften situations if an impact is required

Don't attack someone's character

Talk about what they did, not who they are.

Use anonymous feedback carefully

Works better when there is a differential of power.

Lead by example

What can we do to improve the way we are giving and receiving feedback?

References

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsfNS9HSWQs
• https://www.kateheddleston.com/blog/criticism-and-ineffective-feedback
• http://www.wikisummaries.org/wiki/Crucial_Conversations:_Tools_for_Talking_When_Stakes_are_High
• https://storify.com/ReBeccaOrg/rebecca-s-rules-for-constructive-code-reviews