Giving GREAT Feedback: R is for Real
Welcome to CareerLark Blog! CareerLark is a Slack bot that helps you get micro-feedback from your coworkers so you can become your best professional self. This is part 1 of a 5-part series on how to give GREAT (Growth-oriented, Real, Empathetic, Ask, and Timely) feedback. Sign up here or follow us on twitter or like us on facebook to receive updates on new posts and developments.
The NBA finals are a good reminder of how terrible it feels to be faked-out. Whether you are on the court or in the workplace, no one likes to be unaware of what is coming next. Employees are easily misled by what Kim Scott, a former Google and Apple exec turned CEO coach, refers to as ruinous empathy, or the workplace fake-out. This is when a leader’s comments, or more often lack thereof, mislead employees to believe that what they are bringing to the table is sufficient.
The solution to this problem is easier said than done, because not many people are keen on the idea of receiving constructive criticism. Although the idea of providing or receiving criticism may invoke fear, this can easily be assuaged when presented in falafel. This is not just any falafel, but a tasty feedback falafel.
In the traditional feedback sandwich the bun, lettuce, tomato, and bacon are superfluous additions made up of fake compliments to ease the blow. It is important to note the distinction between this unsuitable sandwich and the makings of a truly filling falafel.
1. The Criticism= Chickpeas vs. Meat
Unlike the meat which stands out in the middle of the sandwich, chickpeas are the bulk of the falafel and are mixed together with other ingredients. The criticism does not need to be hidden, and can often be misunderstood when it is surrounded by empty or false feedback.
2. The Care= Cumin vs. Lettuce,Tomato, Onion
Unlike the toppings of a sandwich, the falafel will not be complete without the cumin. It is necessary to enhance the flavor of the real critique (the chickpeas). It is key that the critiqued understands that the critique-er has their best interest in mind. When the critique-er is able to provide positive compliments that are true they continue to build the caring framework that allows for real criticism to be shared amongst team members.
3. Honesty= Onion vs. Bun
The bun of a sandwich does not always dictate how good the sandwich is going to be. From the outside the bun may look delicious, but as soon as you take a bite you discover the meat is spoiled. Unlike the bun, the onion is mixed in with the chickpeas and the cumin, and is a part of every bite. The onion is not meant to hide anything, but rather is a subtle enhancer of the falafel. Honesty is the final ingredient to providing effective feedback, because you can not expect someone to change something they are not aware is a problem.
There is a time and place for feedback, and it is key that your workplace functions in a manner in which feedback can be provided and accepted freely and with the aim of increasing progress rather than being a detriment to self esteem. Kim Scott highlighted four crucial requisites to create a feedback friendly work environment. This is where CareerLark comes into action!
1. Find opportunities for impromptu feedback
After creating a goal and choosing from whom you would like to receive feedback, CareerLark asks you when you would like to receive feedback on this goal. You can choose to receive feedback on regular time intervals or after certain types of meetings, which the bot is aware of with access to your calendar.
Additionally, if you are seeking immediate feedback from your team or a surprise meeting popped up and you were not scheduled to receive feedback, you can simply ask for it.
2. Make backstabbing impossible
When using CareerLark, everyone takes ownership of their feedback. You get to choose who gives you feedback, and when you receive their feedback it is explicitly labeled to be from them.
3. Make it easier to speak truth to power
CareerLark makes it simple for everyone to create goals, including leaders of teams who can also benefit from feedback from their employees. This creates an open atmosphere where everyone can improve together.
4. Put your own oxygen mask on first
CareerLark is meant to make it easier for leaders by replacing the stress and time of annual reviews with easy and quick instant feedback. You can review all of the feedback you have received, or feedback about a specific goal or from a specific person, whenever you would like.
CareerLark ensures that, unlike in the NBA finals, there are no opposing teams; because with instant feedback teams are able to keep it real and avoid fake-outs.
