Feedback and Discussion

Make sure you visit our eActivity page to do the self-assessment before reading these feedback materials.

If you scored 10 or less, you are probably a fairly Direct person when it comes to giving feedback to those who report to you, and possibly in many other contexts as well.  This means:
  • Getting right to the point;
  • Using exact words, positive or negative;
  • Providing concrete examples of positive or negative work;
  • Not softening the blow if feedback is negative.

Some people may not be able to hear or understand your Direct communication because they expect messages to be delivered in more Indirect ways.  For them you might try:

  • Giving a positive feedback item before negative ones;
  • Using a story or metaphor to deliver your message;
  • Giving praise in terms of group accomplishment rather than individual;
  • Giving praise one-on-one rather than in front of a group;
  • Involving a third person in the delivery of criticism or praise: speaking directly to the third person when your target audience can hear you.


If you scored more than 10, you are probably a fairly Indirect person when it comes to giving feedback to those who report to you, and possibly in many other contexts as well.  This means:

  • Cloaking feedback in stories, metaphors or examples;
  • Involving a third person in the delivery of criticism or praise: speaking directly to the third person when your target audience can hear you;
  • Giving praise to groups rather than individuals
  • Using High Context communication (eyes, body language, tone, volume) rather than exact words.

Some people may not be able to hear or understand your Indirect communication because they expect messages to be delivered in more Direct ways.  For them you might try:

  • Avoiding excessive story telling/contextualising and get right to the point;
  • Using exact words, positive or negative;
  • Providing concrete examples of positive or negative work;
  • Not softening the blow if the feedback is negative, without resorting to bullying or excessive negativity.



 

 

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