Giving Feedback

“Feedback is a gift.” I’ve heard that phrase throughout my professional experiences. I completely agree with it, and feedback is critical for growth and improvement.

I've been more intentional about providing feedback throughout all aspects of life. Growing up, I struggled to give positive feedback, probably because I did not see that from my parents or people in my circle. However, I have consciously been doing more of this over the past decade.

There are many benefits of giving feedback. The intended benefit is to improve something in the future or to acknowledge/compliment someone’s actions. But there are more benefits!

The habit of giving feedback gives more intentional moments of thinking. It is to reflect what is going well and what could be improved. It provides a time to be more grateful for things that are often missed (because it being ever present or “too small” to be appreciated).

Note: I’m starting to notice many of my habits are driven to be more intentional and grateful in life.

I have found that I’ve learned more about myself with the feedback I give. Giving feedback often helps me identify what I value. For example, I love it when people are passionate about what they do and share that with others.

I have started appreciating when healthcare providers explain what they are doing. Most recently, when donating blood, the phlebotomist described what they would do and why throughout the donation process. She included explanations of the marking of the veins, squeezing of the hand with a blood pressure cuff, etc. I could clearly see that she is attentive to her patients and is excellent at her work. There was no stinging/pain, and she asked if I had any discomfort (which, unfortunately, isn’t always the case).

My dentist also explained everything she looked at during a regular checkup. I appreciate learning what they are looking for, and it helps assure with their expertise. I told the phlebotomist and dentist I appreciated their explanations and I hope they continue to do it with everyone (knowing that doing it multiple times a day can get tiring).

While giving feedback naturally biases towards what I value, I have been going out of my comfort zone, admiring what isn’t natural for me, and giving people that feedback (e.g., people who can be energized and optimistic when the environment's energy is low).

Giving feedback can also increase transparency. It reduces misunderstandings and can trigger a discussion for clarification; this goes for positive and negative feedback.

Fun Fact: Dr. Viv and I did “Feedback Fridays” at the beginning of our relationship. This exercise was something she did during her residency, and we used the concept for our relationship. I loved this because it gave us time to intentionally seek feedback at a time when many relationships can be delicate and unspoken. This evolved into the comfort of consistently giving feedback.

If the feedback is received as intended, it can help build your relationship with that person. Ironically, people often don’t want to give feedback because it may hurt their relationship. Giving feedback effectively can be challenging and something I’m constantly working on because I know it will help others, myself, and my relationships.