Analysis: can I give you some feedback? 3.10 Question
Florence’s performance was much better this time. Take a moment to consider the techniques that she used to make her feedback stronger and more productive.
• How did Florence ask for permission to give Scott feedback? How did he react?
• When she shared her observation and stated the impact of Scott’s actions, what did her tone and body language suggest?
• Did she pause after she stated the impact?
• How did she explain what she needed?
• Do you feel that she and Scott engaged in a solution-focused dialogue? What’s your assessment of the solution they arrived at?
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Feedback
How did Florence ask for permission to give Scott feedback? How did he react?
Florence asked, "do you mind if I give you some feedback?" This was a big improvement over her first feedback session, in which she opened with "what was that?" As a result, Scott’s reaction was much more open ("It’s the risk thing, isn’t it?") and he admitted his mistake. ("I know I screwed up.")
Still, Florence’s tone was a little tense. This is probably why, although Scott was ready to talk about the incident, he was nervous and defensive.
When Florence shared her observation and stated the impact of Scott’s actions, what did her tone and body language suggest?
Florence’s tone and body language suggested that her observation was not neutral, but rather that she felt Scott had made a mistake. This was her biggest area for improvement. Because Florence's observation was not neutral, Scott became defensive. ("I know it seems risk-averse, but it made the most sense to me.")
Did she pause after she stated the impact?
Florence did not pause. As a result, Scott didn't have the opportunity to reflect on the feedback in silence. Florence recovered by using probing questions ("Can you say a little bit more about that?") to help Scott reflect. When Scott said, "I froze," she visibly softened, and was able to continue the conversation on a more positive note.
How did she explain what she needed?
Florence explained what she needed indirectly, saying “anytime you talk about risk you should also talk about mitigants.” Next time, Florence might pause for a moment to allow Scott to reflect on the event, and use “I” statements to explain what she needs.
Do you feel that she and Scott engaged in a solution-focused dialogue? What’s your assessment of the solution they arrived at?
Despite a few missteps, the feedback conversation ended positively, with Florence and Scott agreeing to role play risk-related discussions. They both seemed interested and engaged in the solution, with Scott saying he would bring questions to the table and Florence joking that she’d be "a lot tougher" on Scott than any client would.
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