Feed Forward…The better way of working!
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Feedback…one of the most common terms used in all walks of life…In life itself, in the workplace, and similarly in the world of sport. In every situation, where one party wants to communicate with another, and provide opinion on any situation. In real time when something happens, more commonly when asked for opinion or during a formal review.
The reality is that the term “feedback”, has negative connotations. Sadly, when someone says, “Can I give you some feedback?” the expectation is that you are about to have some negative views thrown at you. There can be exceptions…personally, when I receive great service, I do try to give feedback, but it tends to be the exception.
Unless given well, and with examples of how to improve, similarly given in a positive and constructive manner, the recipient will more often than not feel deflated.
Welcome to “Feed Forward”. The concept takes away the negative reflections of past performance and instead, focuses more on suggestions for improved future performance. The idea is that the recipient feels excited about the future as opposed to “brow beaten”!
There are three steps.
Before changing or suggesting different ways of working, identify and share the positives of what is working well. Use positive words that encourage the other person. Reinforce the positives, by doing this, the correct behaviours are likely to be repeated. Paint positive word pictures!
Remember the definition of coaching…” Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance”.
Finally, provide your recommendations for what you want to see happen in the future. For example, as opposed to saying, “you did not ask the right questions, so you did not get the sale” …try …” next time if you ask these questions, I am sure that you will get the sale”. A far more positive way and changing feedback into feedforward.
Feedforward and not feedback…Have you tried it yet?
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams