How do I give effective feedback at work?

Feedback is the receiver's response or reaction after understanding the message sent. It enables the sender to evaluate the effectiveness of the message. Without feedback, two-way communication is either ineffective or incomplete.

In organizational or business communication, the feedback process is a dialogue between people which reflects back how one person sees another's behavior or performance.

1. Feedback is the only way to collect information from the receiver, and for organizations to hear from their customers.

2. Feedback is the last and important step of the effective communication process.

3. Feedback helps measure the effectiveness of communication.

4. Two-way communication helps address problems and find solutions.

5. Feedback helps departments in organizations coordinate and cooperate with each other to achieve organizational goals.

Feedback comes in three forms: appreciation (thanks), coaching (here’s a better way to do it), and evaluation (here’s where you stand).

• APPRECIATION: It is fundamentally about relationship and human connection. It motivates us and gives us a bounce in our step and then energy to redouble our efforts.

• COACHING: It is aimed at trying to help someone learn, grow, or change. This happens when one asks for more direction from like their boss.

• EVALUATION: It tells you where you stand. It’s an assessment, ranking, or rating.

The whole purpose of feedback is to improve performance.

1. Check your motives. Before giving feedback, remind yourself why you are doing it.

2. Be timely by addressing issues as soon as they happen.

3. Give feedback on a regular basis and prepare your comments so you keep your feedback specific.

4. Provide feedback in private and give feedback only from your perspective using "I" statements.

5. Limit your focus to no more than two issues at a time.

6. Talk about positives as well as follow up after the initial conversation.