Welcome back to the Teachify Podcast everyone, below you can read the transcription...BUT only after I give an introduction, therefore you can read the transcription from 4:55 to help you. Also, be patient for the joke towards the end of the podcast. Enjoy!
Starting with the first question, I’m sure you’ve all heard and used the word feedback, but how could we define it? Feedback is a neutral term that describes a message we send, verbally or non-verbally about what is happening around us. Usually it is employed to give opinions or updates on work or tasks that have been carried out or performed, done basically. The majority of people tend to associate feedback with telling someone what they’ve done wrong so it’s almost always negative, but this is not the case. There are many different types of feedback and ways to give it.
Secondly, why is it important? Why does feedback matter? The bottom line, the most important thing is that, feedback is crucial to creating an environment of growth, development and success. In order for a team to be successful, team members have to embrace their expectations, objectives and the main goal and to achieve this, we need help. That’s why it’s key for colleagues, friends or partners to help us get closer to the goals we set. That way we can change our behaviour, adjust what we’re doing and approach the desired outcome.
Now then, thirdly, why are we always so uncomfortable and awkward with feedback? Perhaps, this depends on where people are from and some cultural differences. However, for most Brits, giving feedback is challenging because there is a fine line between feeling like your helping someone and criticising someone, being mean. Not only this, but also the fact that a lot of people get defensive and hostile…most of the time we just don’t know how to respond in that moment despite wanting to grow and develop as people and professionals and we know we NEED to receive feedback for us to be able to do so.
Next up, how can we make it more effective? Improve the way we give feedback? One thing to bear in mind here is that each case will differ and we’ll have to adapt our approach according to each person we speak to and what kind of feedback we plan on giving. That being said, here are some tips to make sure we’re on the right track, that we’re following the correct routine to succeed. If feedback takes place regularly with praise and criticism, people get used to it and expect to receive it, making it something they might even look forward to, thus eliminating the anxiety and stress that sometimes surrounds it. Another thing to remember is that when you provide feedback, it should be specific, objective and clear so that the one who receives the feedback can make the appropriate changes without confusion. Moreover, the importance of using multiple methods shouldn’t be underestimated. Nobody wants to be called into your boss’ office knowing that it’s ‘feedback time’, which can cause you to fear the place and get nervous every time you go. That’s why we should mix it up and send emails, talk to someone by having a walking meeting or even a group meeting.
Now, to finish off, what about me? How do I give and receive feedback? If you’ve listened to any of the previous podcasts, you might know that I can be a little bit shy, not all the time but from time to time I get a bit uncomfortable so as you’ll imagine, this can happen to me when giving and receiving feedback. As far as I’m concerned, you can only improve and overcome this sensation with practice and doing it over and over again. Therefore, I try to welcome feedback at every opportunity. Now you’ve listened to me talking, please, give us some feedback!