Basic Rules for Giving Effective Feedback

• Describe what you see first, and only then what you think
• Do not make an remarks on the (perceived) feelings or thoughts of others
• Use 'I' instead of 'we'
• Say what you like, not only what you do not like
• Assume positive listening attitude (see below)
• Do not ask 'why' questions, but search for solutions
• Make clear appointments

Basic Rules for Receiving Feedback

• Consider feedback as a chance to learn and not as a (personal) attack
• Do not defend yourself and do not explain
• Ask for clarification if you do not understand something
•  Never reply with 'yes, but'
•  Never start explaining why you did something
•  Do not interrupt the feedback-giver
• Always thank the feedback-giver for the effort

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Go to www.skillsheets.com for more tips.
(Excerpted from: Van Tulder, R. (2007).  Skills Sheets: An integrated approach to research, study and management.  Pearson Education Benelux: Amsterdam.

Last modified January 25 2011 02:28 PM