Feedback That Fits: How to Give and Receive Advice Like a Pro

Feedback That Fits: How to Give and Receive Advice Like a Pro

I give advice most often like I would like to receive advice. I want to know what I’m doing wrong. Doesn’t everyone? My default response may not be the best thing to do. Feedback is important to personal and professional development. It provides us with the insights needed to hone our strengths and address areas of improvement. How we give and receive feedback can significantly impact its effectiveness. One crucial factor in delivering effective feedback is understanding the recipient's level of experience.

Research from the Motivation Science Center at Columbia University Business School highlights a key insight: the effectiveness of feedback depends largely on the recipient's experience level. TC North, in an article for Enlightened Leadership magazine, articulates this concept by explaining that beginners, intermediates, and experts require different types of feedback to thrive.

Beginners benefit most from specific, positive feedback. They are still learning the ropes and need reinforcement of what they are doing right to build the correct habits and stay motivated. TC North advises that feedback for beginners should be almost entirely positive, focusing on the skills they are developing. This approach helps them learn quickly and stay enthusiastic about their progress.

What is effective for those who are good - those gaining proficiency the feedback should be a mix of positive and negative. Positive feedback reinforces what they are doing well, while constructive criticism points out areas for improvement. The key is balance—when delivered correctly, the person receiving the feedback should feel grateful and motivated to improve.

Experts, on the other hand, often seek out negative feedback. They are focused on fine-tuning their skills and want to know exactly what they can do better. For them, very specific, negative feedback is most beneficial. This doesn’t mean the feedback should be harsh; rather, it should be precise and actionable, helping them achieve mastery in their field.

General Principles of Effective Feedback

While tailoring feedback to experience levels is essential, the general principles of how feedback is delivered are equally important. The following tips ensure that feedback, regardless of the recipient's expertise, is constructive and actionable:

Be Specific: Vague comments like "good job" or "this needs work" don’t provide enough information for the recipient to understand what they’re doing well or where they need to improve. Specific examples help clarify the message and make the feedback more useful.

Stay Objective: Feedback should focus on actions or behaviors, not the individual. This approach helps prevent the feedback from feeling like a personal attack and encourages a more receptive response.

Offer Solutions: Whenever possible, feedback should include practical steps the person can take to improve. This turns criticism into a learning opportunity, making the feedback more constructive.

Receiving Feedback with Grace

Just as giving feedback requires tact, receiving it with grace is equally crucial. To maximize the benefits of the feedback you receive:

Listen Actively: Pay close attention to what is being said. Resist the urge to get defensive or interrupt. Understanding the feedback fully is the first step to improvement.

Ask Questions: Clarifying the feedback can prevent misunderstandings and help you better grasp the specifics of what needs to change.

Reflect and Act: Take time to reflect on the feedback and identify actionable steps to address it. Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for development, but only if you act on it.

Feedback, when tailored to the recipient’s experience level and delivered with care, can lead to significant growth. By understanding whether someone is a beginner, intermediate, or expert, you can provide the most effective advice. At the same time, adhering to general principles of effective feedback ensures that your message is clear, constructive, and actionable. On the flip side, receiving feedback with an open mind and a willingness to improve can foster a more productive environment and drive impactful changes.

Contact us at BizCoachTN for help in transforming your life and business.