At any given point in your life, you've given feedback, whether it was for a teacher at school, a ride you’ve taken, an app you’ve downloaded and if you’ve been working long enough perhaps a coworker or even your boss.
The experience of giving feedback anonymously, in writing, or in person is significantly different one way from the other.
Providing in-person feedback to your boss is particularly challenging because of the dilemma that comes with it:
how honest should you be when evaluating your superior, driven by the fear of potentially losing your job over honest but potentially negative comments.
If you're fortunate enough to have the chance because your boss is open to it or because it's part of your company culture, here are some points to consider for giving frank, constructive, and sincere feedback to your boss without risking your skin.
What is feedback in the workplace?
Feedback in your workplace is a process where employees provide comments to their superiors or colleagues with the goal of improving processes and achieving the company's objectives.
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For your feedback to be effective, it must be sincere and aimed at enhancing the organizational experience, improving departmental performance, and fostering a positive work environment.
Ideally, feedback should be empathetic and objective, but realistically, it's often challenging to be honest about how someone behaves or performs at work.
The golden rules to give feedback to your boss
Always remember that the purpose of feedback is to modify behaviors at work to enhance performance.
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Here are five key points to consider for giving successful feedback to your boss:
1. Prepare the feedback
Choose a specific topic you want to address with your boss and illustrate it with concrete situations you've experienced.
Avoid speaking in general terms and aim to present situations as objectively as possible.
2. Choose the right time and place
Discussing sensitive or important topics in the middle of an office corridor with others listening is far from ideal.
Choose a time and place where both of you can speak privately without interruptions.
3. Stay Focused on the Main Topic
The goal is to improve your work situation by making your boss aware of issues affecting you.
The conversation should remain professional, focused on constructive points, not personal grievances.
4. Balance Positive and Negative Aspects
One of the hardest tasks in giving feedback is ensuring the recipient is receptive.
Try balancing the negative feedback with positive reinforcement.
This tip can empower your boss and focus attention on areas for improvement without coming off as just complaining.
5. Conclude the conversation and listen
End your feedback by explaining why this information could be beneficial.
Thank your boss for being open to your perspective and then listen to their response.
If your boss needs time to reflect, give them that space and show empathy.
EXTRA TIP
Forget about the word "but" it can take all the value away from your feedback as it often invalidates the positive argument made before it.
For example, saying "You are very smart, BUT you don't listen to what we say" can frustrate the recipient and close off further discussion.
Conclusion
Remember, a well-delivered feedback can significantly improve your work relationship and is a vital tool for organizational growth.
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Embrace the opportunity to give, request, and receive feedback as it is essential for enhancing our work methods.
