Feedback is a powerful tool. When an employee receives useful information that can guide behaviors and build skills, it is a win-win for the employee and the organization. Several factors can influence the effectiveness of feedback. These might include an individual’s receptivity towards feedback, a manager or co-worker’s comfort level in giving feedback, and the organization’s culture around giving and receiving feedback.
Diversity can also play a role in whether feedback is understood and leveraged. In the HBR article, When Diversity Meets Feedback, Erin Meyer affirms the importance of feedback but also identifies fundamental challenges that exist when providing and receiving feedback. Meyer states that “when it comes to sharing feedback and advice, diversity often leads to complications, which, if not understood and managed, can create an environment rife with bad feelings, defensiveness, and ruptured relationships.” Understanding the lived experience of others is critical in achieving a psychologically safe space to give and receive feedback.
In the article, Meyer provides pragmatic suggestions on how to successfully approach feedback across cultures, genders, and generations. “Understanding norms of feedback for different recipients” is key to adjusting the message so the intention and information are appropriately conveyed. Meyer suggests those giving feedback follow three rules:
- Ask yourself, is the advice intended to assist?
- Is the information actionable? Can the individual utilize and apply?
- Finally, has the individual asked for feedback?
Recognizing how to adjust your feedback in response to your audience is key to building individual and organizational capabilities. Having both a diverse workforce and an organizational culture that welcomes feedback can be challenging to achieve – but worth the effort.
Reference:
When Diversity Meets Feedback, Erin Meyer, HBR, 2023.
Written by Kim Abel, Ed.D., SPHR, Clinical Assistant Professor and Executive Director of Executive Degree Programs and the Center for Executive Education. www.linkedin.com/in/kim-abel