When we give or receive feedback, we often fall into two categories. Either feedback is too indirect and vague, leaving us clueless and confused. Or it’s too direct, making us defensive and dismissive.
How can we make sure that handling feedback is a positive experience, for both the giver and the receiver?
At More Happi, we use this scientifically proven feedback strategy from the TED “The Way We Work” series:
1. Start with a micro-yes question
“Do you have a few minutes to chat about how the meeting went?”
Give the other person a heads up that feedback is coming, and get their buy-in to discuss it.
2. Give a data point
“You’re unreliable” becomes “You said you’d send me the client’s notes before the meeting but I didn’t get them.”
Refer to something specific and tangible. Don’t use words that are up for interpretation.
3. Explain the impact
“That’s not how things work around here” becomes “Not having the notes prevented me from solving our client’s issue during the meeting.”
Explain how the data point has impacted you.
4. Wrap up with a question
“Get your act together” becomes “What are your thoughts?” and “What can we do to improve things next time?”
Ask a question to create a dialogue to find a solution together and avoid giving a monologue.
More of a visual learner? Learn about this feedback strategy directly from the TED talk.
