Knowledge Central

The Place to Develop or Improve a Skill

For Communicating Effectively

Practice Ideas for Giving and Receiving Feedback

1. Think of a time when you received feedback at work that was effective.  What did the feedback –giver do that made this feedback useful to you?  Also think of a time when you received feedback that was not effective.  What made it ineffective?  Based on these experiences, what do you feel are the most important do’s and don’ts for giving feedback?

2. Ask a trusted colleague for feedback based on a communication you deliver, such as a presentation or a report.  Afterwards, evaluate how well you rate as a feedback recipient.  What can you do differently in the future to be more effective when receiving feedback?

3. Think of a time at work when you did not give feedback but probably should have.  Why did you avoid giving feedback?  What were the consequences?  What might have been better for you if you had given feedback?  What does this experience tell you about yourself and about what you should do differently in the future?