Course 3, Discussion 2: Accepting and Providing Feedback
If you prefer a video/audio explanation, please watch this video.
Some reasons why accepting feedback is important:
It helps us improve our craft/skills/ourselves
We become aware of our own short comings.
We can learn how others may perceive us.
Reasons why it can be challenging to hear constructive feedback:
We might associate it with who we are as a whole.
We may think the person giving it has lost respect for us.
It can hurt our ego.
The choice is yours! Are you willing to deal with discomfort for your greater good? If so then constructive feedback is an essential tool you must utilize.
Now let's see how to give feedback!
If you prefer a video/audio explanation, please watch this video.
Steps to give useful feedback:
Sandwich it between genuine positive feedback.
Don’t do it too often. Remember a person can only accept so much constructive feedback before it drains them. Use it sparingly.
Ask yourself what you are communicating is beneficial to the person or your own personal preference. Only provide feedback if it will help the person.
Let's practice giving constructive feedback.
This is the situation.
Username: CoffeePerson198
Positive traits: is punctual, responds in under 24 hours, cares about people and is empathetic.
Areas of improvement: Is not completing assigned task for 3 weeks, not communicating with you (the leader) why the task is not being completed.
✒️ You are a leader of the team and have been tasked with giving constructive feedback. Please draft a message of no less than two sentences using the sandwich method (praise + constructive feedback + praise).
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
❗After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here!
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@FrenchToast
Username: CoffeePerson198
Positive traits: is punctual, responds in under 24 hours, cares about people and is empathetic.
Areas of improvement: Is not completing assigned task for 3 weeks, not communicating with you (the leader) why the task is not being completed.
✒️ You are a leader of the team and have been tasked with giving constructive feedback. Please draft a message of no less than two sentences using the sandwich method (praise + constructive feedback + praise).
Hi Coffee, how is it going? Thank you so much for always being on time and responding quickly. I noticed that the task you were given 3 weeks ago has not been completed, is there something going on or a way I can help you with this? Don't be afraid to reach out! We appreciate the work you're doing and your passion for helping others. Keep up the good work. <3
@LovelyKittyCat Well said!
@LovelyKittyCat
This is a wonderful response!
Hi CoffeePerson, hope your day is going well. Thank you for being a vital part of 7 Cups, I really appreciate all your contributions and time you have dedicated to the 7 Cups community. As a leader within our community one of my roles is to occasionally provide feedback to all participants. Your caring attitude and empathy you show everyone you come into contact with has been very evident in your chats and contributions. By having such a quick response time really helps those members you chat with feel truly valued. I noticed that there have been a few tasks that have not been completed over the last 3 weeks. I wonder if there is anything going on that might be affecting your ability to complete tasks? If so don't hesitate to let me know and perhaps we can work something out if I can be helpful. I am always open to hearing from you, so if there is anyway I can help please just reach out and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you for all your hard work! Mae
@Maebyb
I thought this was a balanced and concise message. Great job.
Best wishes on your journey!
@Maebyb
Reading this I realized I could’ve added more understanding and empathy in the response I typed up— thank you, this was helpful for me.
@FrenchToast
Let's practice giving constructive feedback.
This is the situation.
Username: CoffeePerson198
Positive traits: is punctual, responds in under 24 hours, cares about people and is empathetic.
Areas of improvement: Is not completing assigned task for 3 weeks, not communicating with you (the leader) why the task is not being completed.
✒️ You are a leader of the team and have been tasked with giving constructive feedback. Please draft a message of no less than two sentences using the sandwich method (praise + constructive feedback + praise).
Hello CoffeePerson198,
I really appreciate how punctual you are and how quickly you respond to messages, which shows your commitment to the team. However, I've noticed that the task assigned to you has not been completed for the past three weeks, and I haven't received any updates on why it hasn't been finished. I know that you care deeply about the people on the team, and I'm confident that with clear communication, we can work together to get things back on track. Keep up the great work in being reliable and empathetic, and let's make sure we're staying on top of tasks moving forward!
@Moonstar2345
Wonderful response, it really encapsulates all of the positives while being clear on the feedback and how you can help to support them. Well done!
✒️ You are a leader of the team and have been tasked with giving constructive feedback. Please draft a message of no less than two sentences using the sandwich method (praise + constructive feedback + praise).
Hello, CoffeePerson198! I hope you are doing well. I've noticed and been impressed by your empathetic and warm presence in the community. We are delighted that you're part of the team. I'm reaching out to give you a gentle reminder of the assigned task, as I noticed it hasn't been completed yet. I just wanted to check in to see if there were any challenges or obstacles with the task. Considering your incredible responsiveness, I'm sure we can address anything that's come up and resolve this smoothly together.
@PeacefulOnes
Your message does a wonderful job highlighting CoffeePerson198’s strengths, particularly their empathy and warm presence, which sets a positive and encouraging tone. You also effectively addressed the incomplete task and included an offer to help, which is supportive and solutions-oriented. One area for improvement might be adding more specificity to the constructive feedback by clearly stating the timeline of the incomplete task (e.g., "the task assigned three weeks ago"). This small adjustment could clarify the feedback while maintaining a positive and collaborative tone. Overall, your approach is kind and constructive—well done!
Hi, Coffee! I appreciate your punctuality and how caring you are towards everyone especially here in the team. I’ve noticed recently that you haven’t completed your assigned task and it has been 3 weeks. No reason has been shared. Communication is absolutely crucial and I would like to talk to you about this as soon as you’re available. Thank you for your contributions to the team!
@EventHorizons
Love this! Simple, to the point, firm, yet still gentle. If I was on the receiving end of this email, I would have taken it as constructive and professional.
@FrenchToast
Username: CoffeePerson198
Positive traits: is punctual, responds in under 24 hours, cares about people and is empathetic.
Areas of improvement: Is not completing assigned task for 3 weeks, not communicating with you (the leader) why the task is not being completed.
✒️ You are a leader of the team and have been tasked with giving constructive feedback. Please draft a message of no less than two sentences using the sandwich method (praise + constructive feedback + praise).
"Hello Coffeeperson198, thank you so much for responding to my emails promptly; It really makes a difference and lets us move forward efficiently in our workday. Thank you so much for that. I did want to ask if you needed help with any particular tasks. I noticed this particular task has taken a bit longer than expected and perhaps I didn't communicate with you on a clearer timeline. What can I assist you with? On our future projects, let me know if something is holding you up or you need assistance, as to not get behind on projects.
Also, If I haven't said it before I want to thank you for all the care you give to others. You are highly appreciated and recognized for this. Talk to you soon."
✒️ You are a leader of the team and have been tasked with giving constructive feedback. Please draft a message of no less than two sentences using the sandwich method (praise + constructive feedback + praise).
Hi CoffeePerson198, I hope you're well. Thank you for being a valued member of the 7Cups community, your compassion and empathy towards others is truly appreciated.
I've noticed that your assigned task hasn't been finished yet and I was wondering if there was anything that I could do to support you with that? If you could get back to me when you're able to I'm sure that this is something we can discuss and work through together.
We're here for you anytime, and your contributions don't go unnoticed. Your punctuality and responsiveness have had a really positive impact on our work.
I look forward to hearing from you.
@KellyBx Loved this balanced response. Keep it up! Best wishes on your journey💞
@FrenchToast Positive traits: is punctual, responds in under 24 hours, cares about people and is empathetic.
Areas of improvement: Is not completing assigned task for 3 weeks, not communicating with you (the leader) why the task is not being completed.
Hi Coffee!😊Hope you're doing great. You have been so empathetic and kind towards everyone here, your commitment is much appreciated. I'd like to know about the task you have been assigned about 3 weeks ago. Can I know if there is any reason you got a bit late to finish it? It's completely fine, we can talk about it and decide on an extension together. If there is any need for an extension even in the future feel free to contact me, we are all here for you. Thank you so much for always responding under 24 hours and caring so much about everyone. Hope we can have a chat soon.💞
@Snowpudding
I love how you offered a solution to the problem! I hadn't thought of doing that, offering some solutions can be a great way to build trust and ensure the space is safe when giving feedback! thanks for sharing your perspective :)
@Snowpudding
I love the idea of offering an extension, I completely didn't consider that and it's a wonderful idea. Great response!
@FrenchToast
✒️ You are a leader of the team and have been tasked with giving constructive feedback. Please draft a message of no less than two sentences using the sandwich method (praise + constructive feedback + praise).
Hi Coffee! How are you doing today?
Thank you for always being to punctual to our meetings and showing empathy for our team, your contributions bring so much to meeting our goals.
I just wanted to check in with you on one of your assigned tasks for the team.
How are you doing on "x" task, it's been about 3 weeks and we haven't gotten any updates from you regarding this. Is there anything I can do to support you with this? I really appreciate you communicating with me regarding this responsibility.
Thank you again for all of your hard work and attention to our communication. Let me know if there's anything you need from me to be sure you're successful with this task 🌸
Kait