Importance of Giving Feedback
Giving feedback in ways that encourage a positive relationship and improve performance is a skill that can be learned. Like any skill, the more you do it, the more proficient you become. It is important to use the STAR feedback module when giving employees feedback.
Good Feedback is:
- Timely
- Specific
- Balanced and non-threatening
- Focused on solving problems
- Is direct from sender to receiver
- Focused on behavior
Avoids:
- Criticizing - "Well, you brought that on yourself."
- Name-calling - "You're bullheaded and pushy."
- Diagnosing - "You are only saying that because you feel guilty."
STAR Model - Positive Feedback
ST - Situation or Task
A - Action
R - Result
Giving Positive Feedback - Example:
“Thanks for helping me with my report when I had to rush to the meeting. I appreciate your delivering it to Sue so quickly and spending time answering her questions. I wanted you to know that she called me back and said she was really impressed with our responsiveness and your knowledge of the project. It looks like she’s going to recommend our department for the job.”
STAR Model - Giving Feedback for Improvement
ST - Situation or Task
A - Action
R - Result
Giving Feedback for Improvement- Example
“Pat asked for the weekly time-tracking report that was due to her first thing this morning. Without offering an explanation, you told Pat that you wouldn’t be able to get the report to her for another two days. She left the department feeling frustrated that you hadn’t met your deadline and angry that you didn’t even explain why. You might have shared your time constraints with Pat, asked her exactly what information she needed, and asked if you and she could discuss some alternative dates or approaches. Pat would have understood your situation better. Then the two of you could have worked something out, which also would have strengthened your partnership.”