Constructive Feedback
Even though there are several guidelines and methods that can be applied when giving feedback to a fellow employee or group member, it can be very difficult to be constructive when doing so. For many people it is a natural inclination to confront other people concerning their behavior in a way that is accusatory. When there is a problem that affects several people, it is instinctive to place the blame of that problem onto somebody else regardless of where the blame actually lies. Because of this, it is hard to focus on positive factors when giving or receiving feedback. It is easier to be opinionated than it is to be open-minded and mindful of the thoughts and emotions of others. A personal method that helps me to overcome these obstacles is to approach feedback in a manner that places me in the other person's shoes. When giving feedback, I keep in mind the way I would be feeling if I were the person receiving the feedback, and I do the opposite when I am on the receiving end to begin with. Doing this helps me focus on the best ways to constructively convey my ideas to colleagues. When constructive feedback is achieved, it is a very useful tool in any group setting.
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