Effective Strategies for Giving Critical Feedback in Remote and Hybrid Environments
Giving critical feedback is challenging at the best of times and our remote/ hybrid environments present unique challenges, such as difficulties with nonverbal cues and distractions. I found this recent article from HBR useful in thinking about ways to make feedback as meaningful and impactful as possible regardless of whether you are in person or remote.
In particular, the tips that resonated the most were:
TIP 1: Clarifying and contrasting what you’re meaning to convey.
This is important whether you are remote, in person or over the phone as so much of our communication with others gets filtered through our own beliefs, biases and ways in which we interpret information. Using methods to add clarity about what specifically needs to change or improve can impact how someone receives that feedback.
In the article, Helene Lollis, the CEO of Pathbuilders, suggests that after you’ve raised your concern or suggestion, follow it with, “What I mean is X. What I don’t mean is Y.” For instance, “What I am saying is that I’m concerned you don’t have the bandwidth right now. What I am not saying is that you lack the ability. I know this would be easy for you under other circumstances.” Which means you can preemptively address any negative perspectives that the other person might entertain.
TIP 2: Stating their (and your) key takeaways.
To make feedback even more effective, it’s helpful to have the person receiving the feedback state their key takeaways. This ensures that both parties have a mutual understanding and can identify any potential misalignment.
If you want to make this even more powerful then, as the feedback giver, it’s also beneficial to share your key takeaways. By actively listening and engaging in the feedback process, you may discover something new about the person or the context that is impacting their performance or approach.
Often, if we employ our deep active listening skills when we are in the feedback process, we discover something we were unaware of about the person or the context that is having an impact on their performance or approach.
It’s important to approach remote feedback with empathy and compassion, as the pandemic has created a unique and challenging environment for everyone.
Giving Critical Feedback is Even Harder Remotely by Therese Huston, Harvard Business Review, January 26, 2021
For those of you who have taken the time to check out my Constructive Feedback Guide or Guide to Deep Active Listening Skills, I’d love to hear about one thing you’ve been deliberately practicing. And, have you taken the time to plan how to use your insights in specific situations?
