Copyright © People First Impact Method 2014

Participant Handout 7

Receiving and Giving Constructive Feedback

Our interaction with others and how they advise, support and challenge us is essential for our personal and professional growth. We become more self-aware through interaction with others. For this reason, to be good facilitators, reporters and observers we need feedback. When we perform these roles well, it facilitates the right atmosphere within community groups. Good facilitation, reporting and observing is the foundation that allows group discussion to progress naturally to the upper levels of the communication pyramid. We may not be fully aware of how our behaviour, attitudes or body language come across. These dimensions are part of communication. Communication is not only words. How we think about and relate to others can make all the difference to the quality of communication. How we carry ourselves and communicate can create confidence and depth of communication or the opposite. In order to give communities a voice it is essential that we enable an atmosphere of respect, trust and openness. People need to feel at ease with each other and with us. When doing role-plays, you may see or hear things that are good examples of how to relate with people. You may also see the opposite. We need to recognise and give credit for what we do well and be open to learn where we can improve. We can all do better and no-one is perfect. Constructive feedback is essential. We cannot learn without it. Feedback helps us become more self-aware. Self-awareness and awareness of others is critical to becoming more skilled in inter-personal communication. Honest and constructive feedback is much like receiving a gift. We need open minds and hearts in order to hear, receive and engage with feedback so that we own what we learn. Our natural instinct may be defensive and not all feedback may be accurate. However, it is important that we are open to listen. It takes courage and trust to give and receive constructive critical feedback. Feedback reflects another’s perspective and experience of us. Allow the other person to complete what they’re saying before responding, as opposed to reacting. Centre and balance yourself before receiving feedback. Do not take it personally. How we engage this process will greatly assist us when we engage with community groups. Be open in the present moment – pay close attention and listen. Thank the person for their feedback even if you do not fully agree with it. The purpose of constructive feedback is to provide information that will make improvements possible and create better results. When you give feedback you are putting your interpersonal skills to the test. If you have strong emotions about the feedback, take a “time-out.” Choose your words carefully as your response is also feedback. The way you say something can have a positive or negative impact. Depending on your choice of words, you can establish a good rapport or a bad one. Give specific examples of what was done well. If something needs to improve give a reason why and state the likely impact it could have on the community. Being specific and clear assists the receiver in understanding the issue and what may require change. Ask the recipients how they felt the role play went and what they feel can improve. Work with the attitude that feedback is a fun way to grow.