| Purpose of Constructive Feedback The purpose of constructive feedback is to give feedback to an individual in a way that will lead to improvements or corrections. This is important, as it enhances personal and professional growth in individuals. For example, constructive feedback can:
Making Feedback Constructive It is important to be able to differentiate between constructive feedback and destructive feedback. Destructive feedback points at faults and is a direct attack on the individual. In destructive feedback, no practical advice or supportive feedback is given. Examples of destructive feedback include:
Here are some tips for making feedback constructive: 1. Focus on observation and not inference Constructive feedback should relate to what you can see or hear about that person’s behavior rather than making assumptions and interpretations. 2. Focus on behavior and not the individual Constructive feedback should be about what the individual did rather than who the individual is. 3. Focus on things that can be changed Constructive feedback should be about things that a person can change and improve on rather than on something that is out of his/her control. 4. Provide recommendations and solutions Constructive feedback should include a specific solution or recommendation. How to Give Constructive Feedback Here are five steps for giving constructive feedback: 1. State the purpose of your feedback State what you will be talking about and why it is important. 2. Describe what you have observed and your reaction Clearly identify the action or event and how it makes you or other members feel. 3. Give the individual an opportunity to respond After you have stated the purpose, importance, observation, and your reaction, ask the person what they think about it. 4. Offer specific suggestions or solutions After you hear the individual out, give input as to how the situation can be improved. 5. Summarize everything discussed Summarize everything that was discussed to avoid any misunderstandings. Also, summarizing helps ensure that the constructive feedback was communicated efficiently. |