Advantages and disadvantages of different ways of doing “feedback”

Feedback is essential for improving performance and quality of work. Effective feedback identifies strengths and weaknesses and provides specific improvement measures. Each feedback method has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The following article will provide a definitive analysis of the characteristics of feedback methods and offer clear advice for providing effective feedback.

Advantages and disadvantages of different ways of providing feedback

The “sandwich” method

• Advantages: This method helps ease the stress of receiving negative feedback by alternating between praise and criticism.
• Disadvantages: The recipient will likely feel confused and unclear about areas for improvement. They may only remember the compliments and ignore the criticism, or conversely, only focus on the criticism and fail to recognize their strengths.

Assess the specific situation:

• Advantages: Scenario-based assessments can help the recipient better understand what they did right or wrong in a particular situation.
• Disadvantages: If feedback is based solely on a recent event without considering the entire work history, it can be unfair and not reflect the recipient’s true abilities. This can lead to dissatisfaction and lack of motivation.

“Soft” Feedback

• Advantages: Helps the recipient feel comfortable and not hurt.
• Disadvantages: Feedback that is too soft and not constructive is useless and will not help the recipient improve. They are unlikely to identify and address their weaknesses, which will result in them repeating the same mistakes.

Response based on “old story”

• Advantage: It forces the recipient to face up to past mistakes and stop repeating them.
• Disadvantages: Don’t focus on past mistakes without mentioning current improvements. This will make the recipient feel unfairly judged and lack motivation to improve.

Notes when performing feedback

To give more effective feedback, you should keep in mind the following characteristics when doing so:

1. Be specific and clear

• Analysis: When giving feedback, be specific and clear so the recipient understands exactly what they need to improve on. Instead of saying “You need to work harder,” say “You need to complete the report on time and proofread it thoroughly before submitting.”
• Benefits: Helps recipients clearly understand the problem and how to fix it, thereby improving work performance.

2. Be constructive

• Analysis: Constructive feedback focuses on helping the recipient improve, rather than criticizing. Offer specific suggestions for improvement, such as “You could try using tool X to increase your efficiency”.
• Benefits: Create a positive work environment that encourages growth and learning.

3. Fair and inclusive

• Analysis: Evaluate the recipient’s entire work history, not just a recent event. This makes feedback more fair and accurate.
• Benefits: Recipients feel fairly evaluated and motivated to improve.

4. Present and future

• Analysis: Focus on current progress and how to continue to grow in the future. Instead of just rehashing past mistakes, encourage the recipient to look forward and improve.
• Benefits: Helps recipients feel optimistic and motivated to grow.

Xem thêm các bài viết về chủ đề feedback:

• “Feedback” hiệu quả với SBI – GROW – COIN – CEDAR
• Negative feedback: How to “deal”

Nguồn tham khảo:

• 10 kỹ năng phản hồi (feedback) cho nhân viên

• Kỹ Năng Phản Hồi – Nghệ Thuật Giao Tiếp Ai Cũng Nên Biết