building relationships
A key to quality feedback is having built a relationship between the feedback giver and the feedback receiver. The foundation of this relationship needs is trust. Knight (2018) lists five factors necessary to build trust: reliability, competence, warmth, an attitude of stewardship, and a trustworthy character.
TRAFFIC ALERT!
This sign symbolizes building relationships in collegial feedback because of its function to alert drivers of the work coming up along their path.
Reliability is a person doing what they said they would do when they said they would do it (Knight, 2018). In building a relationship, both parties will be more receptive when they realize they are reliable. Reliability relates to the factor of trustworthy character as a person who is honest and transparent will be open about their commitments. By placing commitments as a priority, two colleagues build a relationship.
(Click the video to the left to hear expert Alex Lyon discuss how to create positive relationships)
Competence is having the knowledge and skills necessary to give quality feedback (Knight, 2018). In building a relationship, the receiver of the feedback must know the feedback provided is within the realm of the giver's knowledge and experiences. Competence can be established by getting to know each other and being honest about backgrounds.
In building a quality relationship, the parties must show warmth. Warmth can be demonstrated by sharing positive information, listening, and building connections (Knight, 2018). Listening is a critical component of this factor. There are four components to listening effectively: commitment to listening, making sure your conversation partner is the speaker, pausing and affirming, and avoiding interruptions (Knight, 2018). By actively listening, the other party gets the opportunity to share. If warmth is shown in response, a quality relationship will grow.
(Click the video to the left to hear expert Sylvia Henderson discuss guidelines for effective listening)
The final factor in building trust is an attitude of stewardship. Showing an attitude of stewardship shows a genuine concern for what is best for the other person (Knight, 2018). In seeing this concern, it is apparent that trust can be established because regardless of what is done if it is in a person's best interest, it is worthwhile.
(Click the picture to the right to gain access to additional information concerning stewardship)
A person with a trustworthy character is honest and upholds confidentiality. It includes being honest, transparent, and non-judgmental (Knight, 2018). In giving feedback, the receiver must know who is privy to the information and the purposes for its use. By establishing this information, as well as discussing items such as if the feedback will be solicited or unsolicited or if the feedback will be immediate or delayed, a trustworthy character can be demonstrated (Blum-DeStefano, 2016).
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