How do you give feedback so that it enables the person or team to take the next big step in refining their work?

Feedback on a work product is critical in a continuous learning process. But it can be as demoralizing as it is helpful if not provided in a growth mindset context.

A growth mindset is a belief that you can “grow” your abilities, through effort and hard work. Having this perspective “creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment (Dweck, 2015)
Feedback is a critical part of the growth mindset.

When we provide feedback on the process or strategies that a person used to get to the result, we are reinforcing their effort and their ability to adjust and improve, not just the outcome.

Bob Burg of the Go-Givers Movement points out that being “brutally honesty” is not the same as constructive feedback. “People are much more likely to be open, responsive, encouraged, inspired, and motivated to receive and accept feedback — and commit themselves to the suggested idea or action — when it’s provided with tact and appropriate direction than they are if feeling verbally attacked and brutalized. (Burg, 2022)

We can pay attention to our language to encourage growth, learning, and risk-taking. We can embrace a growth mindset and provide feedback as an investment in another person’s growth and success.

Now You: Do you seek feedback to improve your work?

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