feed·back [feed-bak] noun:
the process of returning part of the output of a circuit, system, or device to the input, either to oppose the input (negative feedback) or to aid the input (positive feedback).
Most likely the only feedback you get in the workplace is in opposition to your input (negative feedback), even if in the form of “constructive” feedback (is it ever really constructive or does calling it that just help the person giving it feel better?). So how about providing “deconstructive feedback”?
“Deconstructive” feedback is about approaching any conversation regarding someone’s performance from a place of humility, never assuming that you’re right.
Here are three tips for giving feedback people can hear:
- When you start to feel defensive, annoyed, or anxious, apply “The Golden Rule of Triggers”: whatever you feel compelled to do, don’t. Instead, take a deep breath and feel your feet. Then you can make a choice about how to respond.
- Concentrating on a positive outcome rather than avoiding a negative one leads to greater persistence, flexibility, creativity, motivation, and satisfaction. In short, expecting success makes us more likely to succeed.
- When you feel the need to criticize “constructively”, don’t assume that you’re right. Be curious and open-ended rather than making declarations and coming to conclusions.
Interested in more? Check out The Energy Project.
(And not one reference to the King of Feedback, Ji……….)
