Nailing the Feedback Game: One Question Changes Everything
Jul 11, 2023
Hey, admit it—“Can I give you some feedback?” is the office question we all dread, right? It’s like getting "the talk" from someone you just started dating. Yeah, the anxiety is real. Even when it’s good news, we still kind of brace ourselves for the other shoe to drop. So let's break down how to do this feedback thing right.
Listen Up! Get the Lowdown on Today’s Managing Made Simple Episode
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Alright, so here’s the game-changer:
Have You Set Clear Expectations?
Yep, that’s it. Sounds simple, but listen, if you skip this part, your feedback doesn’t have a leg to stand on. It’s the ground zero of all the defensiveness, misunderstandings, and general hot mess that can follow.
Why Clear Expectations Matter
Expectations are your anchor. They’re the baseline that helps you—and your team—know what’s up. You gotta spell it out. Because how can anyone know they’re off-mark if they didn’t even know where the mark was?
So, How to Do It?
Before spilling any feedback, ask yourself: "Have I set clear expectations?" If not, it's time to do just that. Talk to your team, make sure you're on the same page, and then, only then, drop the feedback.
Yes, It Works in Personal Relationships Too!
Ever argued about whether the dishwasher should actually be run after it’s loaded? Yep, expectations. They’re universal.
The Feedback Transformation
Once you anchor feedback to clear expectations, you turn it from a gut punch into something we can get behind. It becomes a discussion relative to known expectations, not some mysterious, out-of-the-blue ordeal.
Need More Help?
If your team struggles with the whole feedback deal, hit me up. I love helping teams turn feedback from a fear into a skill. It’s a win-win, for real. Email me at [email protected].
