Encouraging Candid Communications, Part Two
In our recent article, Lessons On Candid Communications From The Tennis Twins, we talked about the importance of candid feedback in the workplace.
It’s tough to give feedback in the wake of a goof or misstep. Here are some tips for how to do it without bruising egos or causing unnecessary hard feelings:
- Make it timely. Someone said something you disagree with and you’ve been stewing about it for a week and finally got up the courage to say something? Sorry, but you missed your chance. Try to put it behind you. Mention it now and the other person will replay all the conversations you’ve had over the past week and picture you quietly”gunny-sacking” those hard feelings, all the while acting like nothing’s wrong. You’ve got to say it right away.
- Make it about the action, not the person. Remember, you’re offended by something the person said or did, not the person.
- Make it specific. Talk about a specific event, time and place. What was said and why did it bother you. Say what could have been done differently and give an example. If there has been damage done, say how the situation can be remedied, and how you’re prepared to help.
- Keep it in perspective. Emphasize that it is but one event in a good relationship with a lot of interaction.
Keep in mind that the reason you’re there in the first place is to get work done serving customers, and your first priority is to get the working relationship back on track so everyone can bring their best efforts to the work.