Feedback

LEVEL: ADVANCED

Why:

Giving and receiving feedback is a rare and very valuable skill, and it can be learned with practice.

Warm-Up:

Have you ever received really helpful feedback? Or really NOT helpful feedback?

Exploration:

Feedback is like fuel for our growth. We have things to tell others that would help them greatly — and they have the same for us. But we often avoid it because we're afraid of being awkward, offensive, or being hurt ourselves. Good feedback is advice for the future. It's specific, respectful, honest about what can improve, and balanced. Invite group members to consider if they have someone they wish they could give feedback to, and to practice how they would say it. Or, extra challenge, what feedback do they wish they could ask for from others, if they knew it would go well?

Additional Resources:

How to Give Feedback—Especially When You’re Dreading it | Christine vs. Work

This video, especially the first 90 seconds, is also very helpful

For a deeper dive into this, check out the fascinating book Thanks for the Feedback, by Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen: Amazon link here