Here's how you can make your feedback specific and actionable for your colleagues.
Effective feedback is a cornerstone of successful leadership. It helps your colleagues grow, enhances team performance, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. However, giving feedback that is both specific and actionable can be challenging. You want your colleagues to understand exactly what they need to do to improve without feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. This article will guide you through the process of crafting feedback that your colleagues can use to excel in their roles.
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Manish Bhatt MBA FCIM MCMI MIoD Chartered MarketerGlobal Marketing • CMO • Board Member • Mentor • GTM • Strategy • Management • Revenue Growth • Al • Cloud •…
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Michael Hemling (MBA)⚡Creating a spark in teams to achieve high quality and timely results for the most vulnerable people⚡ Country Leader ║…
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Sunil Vasant PatilProven Quality – Head | ISO Auditor | Problem Solving | Quality Assurance I Six Sigma I Lean I Continuous Improvement I…
Before diving into the details of the feedback, it's crucial to clarify your intent. Make sure your colleagues understand that your feedback comes from a place of support and is aimed at their growth and success. This sets a positive tone and opens the door for a constructive conversation. When your intentions are clear, the feedback is less likely to be perceived as criticism and more as a valuable insight that can help them in their professional journey.
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Manish Bhatt MBA FCIM MCMI MIoD Chartered Marketer
Global Marketing • CMO • Board Member • Mentor • GTM • Strategy • Management • Revenue Growth • Al • Cloud • Communications • Cyber • Digital • Enterprise • Government • IT • Networks • Security • SMB • Startup • Airbus
Feedback is a precious gift that help your colleagues grow stronger and develop resilience through career. Communicate with confidence to your colleagues and support your colleagues. Accept constructive feedback as a gift. Feedback from across a range of departments and teams helps you evolve and grow taking you outside your comfort zone but crucially help you deliver better results. Feedback is a gift that helps you grow stronger and develop resilience through your career. Feedback from a range of departments and teams and mentors at work in your network or social circle help you evolve and grow taking you outside your comfort zone but crucially help you deliver better results. Valuable insights help your colleagues grow In their journey.
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Michael Hemling (MBA)
⚡Creating a spark in teams to achieve high quality and timely results for the most vulnerable people⚡ Country Leader ║ Head of Resource Management ║ Pathfinder ║ Proactive Value Driver ║ CWO
To make your feedback specific and actionable for your colleagues, start by being clear and precise about what you observed. Focus on behaviors, not personalities, and provide examples. Explain the impact of these actions on the team and the organization. Offer concrete suggestions for improvement and be open to dialogue. Show your support and confidence in their ability to improve. This approach not only fosters growth but also strengthens your team’s cohesion and performance.
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Sunil Vasant Patil
Proven Quality – Head | ISO Auditor | Problem Solving | Quality Assurance I Six Sigma I Lean I Continuous Improvement I I help Companies to translate their business goals into reality through 100% Customer Satisfaction.
When providing feedback to colleagues, I ensure specificity and actionability. I focus on particular behaviors or outcomes, highlighting what went well and areas for improvement. Instead of vague critiques, I offer concrete examples and suggestions for enhancement. I encourage open dialogue, inviting their perspectives and ideas for solutions. By offering actionable steps and clear expectations, I empower colleagues to address areas of development effectively and contribute to their ongoing growth and success.
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Jayakumar Sundararaj
A servant leader, hands-on engineer, loves to help people.
Make your feedback specific and actionable for colleagues. Clarify intent first. Specific feedback is the gold standard for improvement.
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Natalia Giraldo
Linkedin Top Voice | Coffee lover ☕| Logistics | Supply Chain | Transportation |Tech | Trilingual
Feedback is crucial because it fosters growth and improvement, helping individuals and teams to reach their full potential. By setting a positive tone and engaging in constructive conversations, feedback becomes a valuable tool for learning and development. It creates an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to continuously enhance their skills and performance.
General feedback can be confusing and unhelpful. Instead of saying "You need to improve your presentation skills," pinpoint the exact areas that need work, such as "Your slides should have less text and more visuals to effectively convey the message." By being specific, you provide clear guidance on what exactly needs to be changed, making it easier for your colleagues to act on your suggestions and see tangible improvements.
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Natalia Giraldo
Linkedin Top Voice | Coffee lover ☕| Logistics | Supply Chain | Transportation |Tech | Trilingual
Providing specific and clear guidance in feedback is essential because it ensures the recipient knows exactly which areas need improvement and how to address them. This precision helps eliminate confusion, making it easier for the individual to take actionable steps toward better performance. Additionally, specific feedback reinforces positive behaviors by clearly highlighting what is being done well, leading to more effective and meaningful progress.
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Meredith Messenger, M.S.
⚡Freeing Entrepreneurs Scaling to Multiple 7-Figures with Science-Backed Systems for Success | Architect of Transformation | 3x CEO | COO, Advisor, Coach for 50+ SMBs | Mom x3 | Champion for Woman-Owned 💪
Rather than providing general feedback, identify precise areas for improvement and offer actionable suggestions. For example, instead of stating "improve presentation skills," specify actionable steps such as "focus on maintaining eye contact and using engaging body language to enhance audience engagement."
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Shane McConigly
Executive Performance Coach to 100+ Leaders and Elite Athletes | Globally Accredited Evidence-Based and Results-Driven Performance Coaching, where we measurably improve your growth to lead and perform better.
Shift the focus from vague critiques to actionable insights by providing specific, behavior-based feedback. For instance, instead of stating "Your leadership style needs improvement," highlight concrete actions such as "In meetings, consider allocating more time for team input to foster inclusivity and collaboration."
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Silas Serpa, PhD
CEO @ Fifty Group | Digital Transformation & Innovation Advisor | Curator Professor @Escola Conquer | Organizational Ambidexterity | Speaker | Startup Mentor
An essential component of delivering effective feedback to colleagues is being specific in your observations and suggestions. By providing detailed examples and precise details, you can offer actionable insights that guide your colleagues towards improvement. For instance, instead of stating, "Your presentation needs improvement," I would say, "Consider incorporating more visual aids to enhance audience engagement during your next presentation." This specificity helps your colleagues understand exactly what areas they can work on and how to implement changes effectively, fostering growth and development.
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Dr Shunitra Devi Chandra Segran
CEO | Board Ready | Global Healthcare Leadership | International Speaker | LinkedIn Top Leadership Voice
It is such a wasted opportunity when a manager gives feedback that is not specific. This leaves the employee feeling confused, not knowing what to do differently let alone have the courage to ask for clarification. It is not feedback unless the following basics are achieved in a conversation: 1. feedback is discussed and aligned by both parties 2. manager sets change expectations that are clear and tangible with employee 3. employee commits to work on the change with a plan and timeline to manager
Feedback should be focused on observable behavior rather than personal traits. For example, instead of saying "You're not a team player," describe the behavior you observed: "During team meetings, you often interrupt others, which can make it difficult for everyone to contribute their ideas." This approach is less likely to trigger defensiveness and encourages your colleagues to reflect on their actions and how they can modify them.
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Natalia Giraldo
Linkedin Top Voice | Coffee lover ☕| Logistics | Supply Chain | Transportation |Tech | Trilingual
This approach to feedback is highly effective because it focuses on specific behaviors rather than personal traits, which can prevent defensiveness. This method promotes a more constructive and supportive environment for growth and improvement.
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Mayank Krishna
Entrepreneur | Founder Hability365 | Author | IMT Ghaziabad | Ex-Pidilite
To make feedback specific and actionable, the simple mantra is to focus on the act, not the person. Often, I have seen managers giving feedback to their team members based on multiple past experiences rather than focusing on the specific behaviour seen recently. This doesn't lead anywhere except creating bad vibes within the team. Bringing recency in the feedback helps in making it relevant and actionable.
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Mark Taylor
NYC Master Chair & CEO Coach @ Vistage NYC | Leadership Development
Providing feedback that focuses on observable behavior rather than personal traits is crucial for fostering a constructive and positive work environment. By addressing specific actions, such as interrupting others during meetings, we encourage self-reflection and growth without triggering defensiveness. This method not only helps in resolving current issues but also paves the way for greater success and collaboration within the team. Remember, the goal is to help colleagues think bigger and solve challenges more effectively.
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Shane McConigly
Executive Performance Coach to 100+ Leaders and Elite Athletes | Globally Accredited Evidence-Based and Results-Driven Performance Coaching, where we measurably improve your growth to lead and perform better.
Encourage leaders to pinpoint specific actions or behaviors when delivering feedback, rather than making generalized statements. For instance, instead of labeling someone as "unapproachable," provide examples of specific behaviors such as "During team discussions, your body language appears closed-off, which may discourage others from seeking your input."
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Sam Lindgren
Amplifying Resilience And Fueling Business Triumph with Futuristic Vision
Balance Positive and Negative Feedback: Start with something positive to set a constructive tone, then address areas for improvement. Avoid Negative Language: Frame your feedback in a way that is encouraging and focuses on improvement. For example, instead of saying, "You did a poor job on this project," say, "I believe you can improve this project by focusing on X, Y, and Z."
After pointing out areas that need improvement, offer practical solutions or resources that can help your colleagues address the issues. For instance, if you've noticed they struggle with time management, suggest specific strategies or tools like prioritizing tasks or using a digital planner. By providing solutions, you not only highlight the problem but also empower your colleagues with the means to overcome it.
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Natalia Giraldo
Linkedin Top Voice | Coffee lover ☕| Logistics | Supply Chain | Transportation |Tech | Trilingual
Offering solutions in feedback is crucial because it not only identifies areas for improvement but also provides a clear path forward. Collaboratively working on these solutions helps to enhance skills and fosters a sense of teamwork and support. When feedback includes actionable suggestions and opportunities to work together, it empowers individuals to make meaningful changes and demonstrates a commitment to their development and success. This collaborative approach strengthens relationships and drives continuous improvement.
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Mohammad Shahid
Director of Engineering at Workspan
Great feedback is a two-way street! When someone is open to hearing your insights, it creates the best chance for improvement. If they're receptive, offer your support and guidance to help them tackle the issue.
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Sam Lindgren
Amplifying Resilience And Fueling Business Triumph with Futuristic Vision
Suggest Specific Changes: Offer clear, actionable steps that the person can take to improve. For example, "Next time, try to review your work for accuracy before submitting it." Set Goals: Help them set realistic goals based on your feedback. This gives them a clear path to follow and measurable objectives to aim for.
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Sam Lindgren
Amplifying Resilience And Fueling Business Triumph with Futuristic Vision
Situation: Describe the specific situation in which the behavior occurred. Behavior: Describe the behavior you observed. Impact: Explain the impact of the behavior on you, the team, or the project. Example: "In yesterday’s team meeting (Situation), when you repeatedly interrupted John (Behavior), it prevented us from hearing his full ideas and disrupted the flow of the discussion (Impact)."
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Sergey Buchin
Founder of Irbisio Cleantech Infrastructure Fund, Private investor into renewable energy projects
Constructive feedback should always include actionable solutions. Suggesting practical steps and strategies empowers colleagues to address areas for improvement effectively. This aligns with best practices identified in organizational behavior studies, which highlight the importance of providing clear, actionable advice to drive improvement.
Help your colleagues turn feedback into action by setting clear, achievable goals. For example, if they need to enhance their client communication, set a goal like "For the next month, summarize the key points at the end of each client call to ensure clarity." Goals give them a target to aim for and a way to measure their progress, which can be highly motivating.
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Natalia Giraldo
Linkedin Top Voice | Coffee lover ☕| Logistics | Supply Chain | Transportation |Tech | Trilingual
Setting goals is important because it provides clear direction, motivates individuals to achieve their best, and offers measurable benchmarks for progress and success.
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Sara Zeljkovic
SDR Manager @ ClassPass | Leading Sales Professionals, Focused on expanding SDR team and creating strategies
Besides setting the goals, it's our responsibility to set goals for ourselves as well. When are we going to follow up? How will we monitor progress? When are the check-ins? Do we trust the execution?
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Olivia Rutman, CTP
Founder | Innovator | Speaker | Leader | Childcare Expert | Top 40 Under 40 | 3x Boy Mom | CEO at Kids Care Finder
Follow the SMART framework: Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-bound This should be the case with every goal or directive. People need to know what’s expected of them for them to be both successful, and accountable.
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Sergey Buchin
Founder of Irbisio Cleantech Infrastructure Fund, Private investor into renewable energy projects
Establishing clear, achievable goals provides a roadmap for progress. Goal-setting theory emphasizes the importance of specific, challenging goals in driving performance and motivation. Setting measurable objectives helps track progress and ensures that feedback leads to tangible improvements.
Finally, feedback should not be a one-time event. Schedule follow-up meetings to discuss progress and address any new challenges that may have arisen. This shows your colleagues that you are invested in their development and are willing to provide ongoing support. Regular check-ins also keep the momentum going and reinforce the importance of the feedback and goals that were set.
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Sharmishta S.
Strategy @ EY-Parthenon l Previously @ SG Gov, WEF & UN l Youth Leader l Board Member l Development Economist
Bring your team along when you give feedback. Instead of making it personal, focus on actionable steps which can be measured, and followed-up on. Leaders make mistakes too so make room for reviewing potential feedback points as your team member progresses - it could be your initial plan may require some iteration until it is mutually comfortable and achievable for all parties.
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Sam Lindgren
Amplifying Resilience And Fueling Business Triumph with Futuristic Vision
Keep Records: Document the feedback you provide, especially if it relates to ongoing performance issues. This can be useful for tracking progress and for future reference.
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Sergey Buchin
Founder of Irbisio Cleantech Infrastructure Fund, Private investor into renewable energy projects
Regular follow-up is crucial to ensure accountability and reinforce commitment to improvement. Continuous monitoring and feedback loops are essential components of effective performance management systems. Scheduled check-ins and progress reviews help maintain focus and provide opportunities for additional guidance and support.
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Pramod Patel
Founder Divyangkala | Motivational Speaker | Corporate Speaker | Counselor | Advisor | Actor | Dancer | Poet | #CerebralPalsy #SocialEntrepreneur #Inspirer #EmpowerDisabled
In my view as a leader to make your feedback actionable first you should evaluate the issue and accept the issue and have 1to1 session with your colleague to understand describe the issue being non judgemental is is more important being problem oriented not personal oriented listen first to understand the colleague is point of view why he is facing the issue his need desire and style of working with right kind of empathy Make make the colleague understand is real potential and empower him in such a way using positive words for example I know you are the best but something is bothering you and we will resolve it together don't worry I am with you this word will empower him in the positive way
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Sam Lindgren
Amplifying Resilience And Fueling Business Triumph with Futuristic Vision
Invite Responses: Ask for their perspective and be open to discussion. This shows that you value their input and are willing to engage in a two-way conversation. Listen Actively: Pay attention to their responses and show empathy. This can help in understanding their point of view and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
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Sergey Buchin
Founder of Irbisio Cleantech Infrastructure Fund, Private investor into renewable energy projects
Consider the broader context when delivering feedback, including the organizational environment and individual circumstances. Tailoring feedback to align with these factors can enhance its receptivity and effectiveness. Additionally, fostering an open and supportive feedback culture can significantly amplify overall organizational performance. Creating an environment where feedback is viewed as a valuable tool for development rather than a punitive measure encourages continuous improvement and innovation.
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