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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✒️ 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
Hello CoffeePerson198, I really like how you are punctual and respond very quickly. However, it has been 3 weeks since the task was delayed, and I don't know what you are going through. Please message me about your difficulties getting empathy from our team, as you care about others.
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
Sure
@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).
Hey, CoffeePerson198!
I wanted to let you know how happy I am that you have become such a dedicated part of this community, and I really appreciate you being on the team. You are a pleasure to have on the team and truly an expert in caring for others. That being said, I have noticed that many of your assignments have not been completed as of late. I would like to check in and ensure that everything is alright with you. Hopefully, we can work together to come up with a solution so that these assignments will get done without becoming too heavy a burden on you. Your presence on this team is irreplaceable, and I know you have a lot to bring to the table. Please let me know a time we could chat to discuss this matter together and I hope you have a wonderful day!
All the best,
Hedgehogs83
@Hedgehogs83 I love your answer!
@FrenchToast 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! Your punctuality is something that I have always wanted to applaud. Usually, other people take time to respond, but I have noticed you respond within 24 hours. As you know, I am the leader; you know you can communicate with me about any issues you may be facing. I realized that you haven't been able to finish a task that was assigned to you 3 weeks ago, so kindly do tell me if you need any help. I will be more than happy to help you. I have also seen your empathetic nature, and we need more empathetic people like you here. Looking forward to your response!
@FrenchToast
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 hope you are doing well this morning! I know we spoke a bit on Friday about how well you're doing with your patience and empathy, and today I'd like to let you know how much I appreciate your punctuality. It is always refreshing to see you arriving earlier than your start time!
I do have a question for you regarding the tasks I've given you. I know it's something you are capable of accomplishing, but I have not heard from you in a few weeks as to how it's coming along. Our deadline is approaching soon. Please let me know how I can help you to finish. If I give you a task that is too hard for you or you need help with it, my door is always open to suggestions.
Keep up the great work with our clients. I know they appreciate getting a kind and compassionate person whenever they call. And please keep me updated on that task I gave you. If you need help, just ask!
Cheers,
SelfCareMatters
@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).
Hey CoffeePerson198, I hope you are doing great today! To begin, I would like to congratulate you on your hard work and perseverance in 7 Cups. Your timeliness and commitment to provide exceptional emotional support to others has not gone unnoticed. Keep up the good work!
One thing I would like to point out is that you have not yet responded to my previous messages. The task I assigned to you three weeks earlier nearing its deadline. It is very necessary to complete this task, as it adds credibility to your profile as a 7 Cups listener. Please respond to this message when you have the chance. Feel free to discuss with me if there is the need for you to be given an extension of one week to complete the task.
Thank you once again, CoffeePerson198, for your efforts.
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
I have done that.
@McElysium
I love your 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, I hope you are doing well! I want to thank you for all the hard work you have put into being a mentor. Your promptness in response to others has been reassuring to trainees. While reviewing your tasks, I noticed some have not been completed. Please let me know how I can support you in getting them done. Again, I am grateful to have you part of the team, as you are such a valuable member, and I want to do what I can to assist you!
@CordialDancer
I really like how you approached this exercise; it’s not easy to balance praise with constructive feedback, but you did it thoughtfully. Your effort shows strong leadership skills, and it’s encouraging to see how you’re practising supportive communication. Keep it up!
✒️ 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).
Hey Coffee! How are you doing? It is Bobbie here! I just wanted to start by saying how impressed I have been with your kindness towards members and the commitment you are showing! I also wanted to check in regarding the task that was assigned three weeks ago, how have you been getting on? Is there anything we can help with. Thank you again for maintaining a great response time! I look forward to hearing from you soon! All the best, Bobbie
@BobbieX
your feedback draft was spot-on—kind, clear, and balanced. Love how you kept it constructive while staying positive. Great example for the rest of us—keep it up!
@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).
Hey @CoffeePerson198, I really value how punctual you are and how quickly you respond—your empathy shines through and means a lot to the team. That said, the assigned task has been pending for three weeks without any updates, and a quick note on what’s holding it up would help us support you better. Your care for people is one of your biggest strengths—thanks for that, and let’s get this task moving together!
@FrenchToast
Message to CoffeePerson198: "CoffeePerson198, I really appreciate how punctual you are and the fact that you consistently respond within 24 hours; it shows your dedication and empathy toward the team. That said, I’ve noticed the assigned task has not been completed for the past three weeks, and I haven’t received communication from you about the delay. Clear updates would help us move forward together. I value the care you show for people, and I’m confident that with your responsiveness and empathy, you’ll be able to get back on track quickly."
@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 would like to thank you for being a supporter among the 7 Cups community. The positive feedback we have received has highlighted your empathy for members, consistency, timely responses, and the supporting qualities you share with your peers. Although you have been a great asset to the 7 Cups community, I would like to share some areas of improvement you can work on moving forward if you need more time completing task please be sure to reach out to your leader that would be more than happy to extend the time if needed. Thank you again for your work as a 7 Cups supporter. I look forward to hearing from you.
@soulout
Very nice way to put it!
@soulout
I really like the way your formed this feedback, good job!!