Constructive feedback is important. Here are our 3 tips for how you can do it in a positive and uplifting way.
When I was in high school I was a "Peer Tutor" in English and literature. This meant, as an elective, I was asked to assist my other students, serving as an in-class tutor and assistant to the teacher. Whether it was diagraming sentences or helping edit a book report, I'd sit alongside other teenagers and give feedback on their work.
First, can anyone say nerd? Second, this nerd became a writer herself. Third, I had to learn, early on, how to give feedback - and to my peers, nonetheless. I had two fantastic teachers, Mr. Bill Patterson and Mr. Rick Weinheimer (go Columbus North Bulldogs!) who coached me through giving constructive feedback. I will always remember the spirit with which they nurtured peer tutors and the advice they gave around feedback. In fact, Mr. Weinheimer was a beloved coach, so his feedback skills extended far beyond the classroom and across many generations!
Here are a few tips for giving feedback:
1 - Time: Take intentional time for feedback. It's easy to rush to the next event or task, but scheduling time for feedback ensures that those who need help feel valued, heard and respected.
2 - Encourage then advise: If you walk straight into giving just the facts about the feedback, the other person ends up feeling defeated. They only hear the bad news. Start by celebrating what's working well. Acknowledge the effort! Follow through with: What worked well? What didn't? What should we change for next time?
3 - Show, don't tell: Give specific examples in your feedback, as well as examples of what you're hoping for. Rather than saying, "This paragraph doesn't work" show an example of the type of paragraph that would work!
