Discussion: Positive Versus Constructive Feedback

Feedback can be an effective tool in mentoring and coaching but providing feedback that is both positive and instructive takes careful practice. Unfortunately, giving negative feedback is easier than taking the time to constructively and positively coach another on building strengths and recognizing weaknesses. If given incorrectly, feedback can do more harm than saying nothing at all. Consider the following potential feedback that could be given: “That was OK, but I sure would have done it differently.” An individual receiving this feedback would not know specifically what went well and what could be improved. Additionally, this feedback includes judgment, as the coach indicates that he or she would have done something differently.

According to Hunt and Weintraub (2017), feedback should include the situation, your observations, and the impact of the coach’s behavior/actions. Consider this feedback that a coach might provide to a store employee: “You did a fantastic job making the customer feel welcome when he entered the store this morning. You greeted him and asked how his day was going. I am sure he will return to our store in the future. Perhaps you could consider asking the customer what he would like help with, so you can provide specific support during his next visit to the store.” Think about how this feedback differs from the initial feedback that was provided.

Although it would be much more pleasant to only give compliments, positive reinforcement, and praise, it is sometimes necessary to give negative feedback to another individual. Just because the feedback may be negative, if handled properly, the encounter does not need to be negative. Instead, it can be a positive learning experience for all involved.

It is also important to provide balanced feedback, rather than one-sided feedback that is always positive or always negative.

To prepare for this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resource.

· Review this week’s Learning Resources, especially:

· Organizational Behavior – Chapter 8

·

Post a cohesive response based on your analysis of the Learning Resource and your professional experience. Be sure to discuss the following:

· Explain the difference between positive feedback and constructive feedback.

· Analyze a situation in which feedback influenced the change process.

· Evaluate the role of feedback in coaching and mentoring.

· Design feedback to encourage change.

· 3-4 paragraphs

· APA citing

· No plagiarism