Part 2: The 5-Step Safety Formula for giving feedback
Creating a Safe Space for Feedback
Effective feedback delivery is an art that, when approached strategically, transforms into a structured process with the potential to cultivate growth and collaboration. The 5-Step Safety Formula provides a guided path that not only ensures the receptivity of feedback but also serves as a catalyst for ongoing improvement and personal development.
This formula offers a systematic approach that empowers individuals to deliver feedback constructively and recipients to receive it with an open mind, ultimately contributing to an environment where feedback is harnessed as a tool for progress.
In this second part of our series, we'll discuss the first step: Establishing a relationship.
Establishing a Relationship
Establishing a strong interpersonal connection before delivering feedback is vital. For instance, offering parking advice to a stranger or criticizing a neighbor's parenting highlights is more welcomed while having the authority to give feedback is rooted in power dynamics, the existence of a meaningful relationship ensures the feedback is well-received.
While being someone's superior grants the right to provide feedback, it's the foundation of trust and understanding within the relationship that creates a safe space for such discussions. This concept is explored further, emphasizing how building rapport is integral, as evidenced by the initial steps in a coaching debrief that focus on establishing connections.
The adage "people don't care what you think until they know that you care" underscores the significance of a genuine relationship in the feedback process. Moreover, research highlights the delicate balance between positive and negative feedback, emphasizing its crucial role in effective communication.
Here's Dr. Suzanne Miklos elaborating on the role of relationship:
The Feedback Ratio also plays a pivotal role in shaping interactions and outcomes. Favoring a higher proportion of positive interactions over negative ones has been shown to yield more favorable results. However, it's worth noting that while negative feedback might occur less frequently, its impact can be more profound than positive feedback. This insight underscores the importance of striking a balance between the two types of feedback. While emphasizing positivity, constructive criticism retains its significance as a tool for growth and improvement.
This is why directly criticizing someone by highlighting his or her shortcomings without context or sensitivity is likely to result in negative reactions. Such an approach can lead to hurt feelings, defensiveness, and a tendency to distance oneself from the feedback. It's essential to recognize that our own desire for recognition and validation can influence how at ease we are in acknowledging others' areas for improvement. This intricate dynamic calls for a more tactful and empathetic approach to ensure that feedback is constructive and well-received.
In the next part of our series, we'll discuss the second step, Intentions.
