How-to Guide: Give and Receive Feedback

Having a robust feedback loop helps build positive team culture

Giving and receiving feedback can be an art. When feedback is specific, helpful, and kind, it can be an opportunity for growth. 

Feedback is a crucial part of developing a team with a positive culture that works at its optimal level.

How to give effective feedback

Everyone on a team can help others learn if they’re encouraged to give helpful feedback. Coaches have a special role in the team, both providing performance feedback and inviting others to contribute as well.

Make it part of the normal routine

Feedback has the most impact when it’s done regularly.

Describe the impact

Let people know what impact you noticed, like “I noticed when you made the extra pass, we were able to drop the defender”.

Make sure the person is ready for it

Ask if you can give feedback now, or when would be a better time.

Describe the impact

Let people know what impact you noticed, like “I noticed when you made the extra pass, we were able to drop the defender”.

Keep it balanced

Make sure you let people know when they’ve done something well, as well as when they can improve.

End with an open-ended question

These can’t be answered with a “yes” or “no”, and generate discussion. For example: “How do you see it? What are your thoughts?”

How to receive feedback well

Hearing ideas and corrections from others is a great way to learn and improve, if you’re open to it.

Ask for it!

Great team members are committed to improvement, and feedback is a fantastic way to learn.

Get specific

Ask for specific details or a demonstration, and make sure you understand before you move on.

Be curious, not defensive

Ask follow up questions to fully understand what the other person noticed.

Take time to process

Sometimes it takes time for feedback to make sense. Take time to reflect, and follow up if you have questions or need more direction.

Here are 5 questions you can use to build feedback into your team 

  • What do you appreciate about your team?
  • Where are there opportunities for improvement?
  • What are the barriers you face in giving and receiving feedback?
  • What impact does this have on you, and on the team?
  • How will you build a feedback process into your team?

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