Giving and receiving feedback

ASKING FOR FEEDBACK

• Prepare the information you want to discuss with your peer.
• Select a time and place with privacy and without distractions for your conversation.
• Briefly indicate what you would like to cover and why it is important.
• Discuss and review some of your practice experiences.
• Use your self-assessment to guide the discussion.
• Be specific about your abilities, identified strengths and areas for growth, learning and enhancement.
• You may want to share ideas about learning activities and even plan to address them together or with a group.

RECEIVING FEEDBACK

• Prepare the information from your self-assessment so that you can be specific and focused during the conversation.
• Take time to listen, understand and consider what is being said by rephrasing and being interested in your peer’s point of view.
• Ask questions and be curious about how your peer sees you. Ask for suggestions on how to enhance your practice and grow professionally.
• Two questions you may want to consider: What do I do best? Is there some aspect of my practice I can improve?
• Show appreciation for the feedback you receive. Giving feedback is not an easy thing to do.

GIVING FEEDBACK

• Check your reasons for accepting the invitation to give feedback.
• Make sure you understand what your peer is asking for by restating the request in your own words.
• Direct your feedback to what is specifically asked.
• Be specific in your comments. Be guided by your peer and their self-assessment when offering your feedback. Be supportive and constructive in your comments.
• Be attentive to feelings and non-verbal cues expressed by each of you. This can be done by asking “is it okay” during the conversation.
• Be thoughtful in your comments and tone.
• Provide time to create an opportunity for validating and exploring practice strengths, needs and ideas.