Receiving and giving constructive feedback is important for a successful career. But sometimes, giving negative feedback is really tough, because many people take it personally. Here are some tips to communicate constructively, and give better feedback:
1. Use Positive Words! Instead of "but", say "and". This way, the person you're communicating with won't brace themselves and become defensive.
2. Criticize Performance and NOT personality It's simple: instead of saying "you're very slow", say "you need to start handling urgent issues much more quickly".
3. Keep It Short The best negative feedback is short, specific, and simple. There is no need to get into a long conversation.
4. Surround Negative Feedback with Positive Feedback Start with positive feedback, quickly mention your negative feedback, and then end with more positive feedback to keep the person from taking your feedback personally. Remember, the Bayt.com Happiness and Wellbeing in the MENA Survey, July 2013, showed that receiving recognition at work is the number one factor MENA professionals claim to be important to their professional life and one that has a direct impact on their happiness and wellbeing.
5. Be Specific About How the Issue Can Be Solved Agree on a positive goal and communicate it clearly in writing, with a set deadline.
What about you? How do you handle negative feedback?
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