"Plan Ahead"
Before any formal communication (written or spoken) ask yourself these questions:
"Open Up"
Working in partners:
Each person puts up a small incentive. This could be change from their pocket, or something of token value like a pen or piece of gum. The teacher could provide candy or other tokens as the incentive if this is an in-class activity.
Decide which partner will go first. That partner asks the other person, "What was your day like yesterday?" When the person replies, the partner must follow up with an open-ended question in order to learn more. Continue this process for four follow up questions. If all of the questions asked are open-ended the partner keeps their incentive. If the partner asks a closed-ended question, they have to give the other person their stake.
Set a timer to make it competitive!
Debrief questions:
"Be Specific"
Feedback can come in the form of praise and critique, sometimes referred to as 'warm' and 'cool' feedback. Regardless of what it is called, feedback is most useful when it is specific.
Praise
Focus on the person.
Example Scenario: Chris helped his team member, Alex, solve a challenging problem on a customer vehicle. Chris wasn't assigned to this project, but he was able to coach his team member and together they were able to solve the customer complaint.
Praise from Alex: Chris, I noticed the way you jumped in and coached me through the problem with brakes on Mrs. Smith's car even though you weren't asked to. I appreciate your coaching, it really helps to strengthen our team.
Critique or Constructive Feedback
Focus on the behaviors or outcomes, not the person. Use "I" statements that express how the person's behaviors impact you or others.
Example Scenario: Meg's team is volunteering one afternoon a week to teach community members how to prepare for job interviews. Meg has been late for the first two sessions and her team has had to do her share of the training, without preparation. This has made the sessions feel unprofessional and has put stress on her teammates.
Constructive Feedback: Meg, we're getting ready for our third training session. I am feeling stressed because our team has prepared to deliver the training with everyone present. When you're late we have to cover your content and we haven't been prepared for that. It's made our sessions feel unprofessional for community members. You are an important part of our team. Is there something I can do to help you get there on time this week?
These principles apply to feedback on work products as well. Being specific is always best practice!
Give it a try.
Create feedback for the following scenarios. Create program or industry specific examples for additional practice.
1. Sam volunteered to organize a fundraiser to help pay for a team trip. Sam coordinated all the details, got approval and set up the fundraiser. As a result the team had no out-of-pocket expenses and was able to go on an educational and fun trip.
2. Corrie usually doesn't say much. She's shy and doesn't talk in class. While at the grocery store after school, you notice Corrie helping an elderly person put groceries in their car and return their cart.
3. Jen is opinionated. She often cuts others off in group discussions and insists her perspectives and opinions are right. She has recently taken over a group project and won't let her team mates contribute in ways they feel are important for the final product.
4. You've been asked to give feedback on a team member's poster. Trevor's poster has a catchy title and the content all seems to meet the criteria for the assignment. The problem you notice is the font Trevor used for all of the text. It's a gothic calligraphy text that is almost impossible to read. It's simply not appropriate for the poster and makes the viewer just pass it by. You know Trevor loves this font. His Dad recently passed away and he got his name tattooed on his arm in this same font last month.