Feedback is an interactive process between two or more people that allows the parties to share information with the intention of guiding future performance.
Joan Evans –Dalhousie University
The term feedback comes from the field of rocket science. It is a system built in to rockets sent into space so that their path can be read and corrections made from earth to keep it on track.
Feedback should always be positive. Its goal is to improve the current situation or performance – its goal should never be to criticize or offend. The structure of giving feedback is a reflection of its positive intent. As a clinical instructor, it is important to continually validate that the impact of the feedback on the clinical student is what the instructor intended.
According to Koharchik et al, effective feedback can determine whether a student passes or fails. To be valuable it must be immediate, positive and clearly focussed on specific behaviours.
No matter what form feedback takes, the following general principles always apply:
Principles of Giving Feedback
- Make sure you are delivering your own message, don’t deliver messages for others
- Understand the intent of feedback, make sure that it is constructive & positive and that everyone knows that.
- Only give and/or receive feedback about things that the individual/you have control over and can change
- Ensure that feedback conversations are in private
- Be willing to ask for and receive feedback yourself
The Language of Feedback
Whether giving or receiving feedback, effective communication is always the aim. Use language that will help you communicate. Remember that language includes what you say, how you say it and your body language while you say it. Offer feedback that is both supportive and provides correction.
Some toxic words to avoid:
- good/bad
- right/wrong
- better/worse
- should/ought
- but
- always/never
Follow-up with yourself. Ask:
- Am I trying to be helpful? What is my motive?
- Am I unloading some of my own feelings?
- Am I trying to show that I know more?
Follow-up with the other person. Ask:
- Has the feedback been helpful?
Receiving Feedback
Our powers of self-perception only go so far. Feedback is like life’s interpersonal mirror through which we get to see ourselves as others do. In order for us to stay ‘on track’, feedback is essential for us all to know how we are coming across to the world around us and how successful we are in what we are trying to achieve. We all know how difficult the feedback process can be – especially if we’re on the receiving end.
Remember if you give feedback, you have to be able to take it. You want to be able to receive it gracefully, allow yourself to learn from it and move on.
- Don’t shy away from constructive feedback, welcome it
- Accept feedback of any sort for what it is – information
- Evaluate the feedback before responding
- Make you own choice about what you intend to do with the information.
Rights and Responsibilities
| Rights | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
You have the RIGHT to:
|
You have the RESPONSIBILITY to:
|
Joan Evans, Director of Communication Dalhousie University