Feedback to move forward – a guideline to having those tough conversations

While many would agree that giving and receiving feedback in the workplace is important and necessary, it can feel really uncomfortable, possibly even leading to avoidance.

However, avoidance is not the answer, especially when there are recurring issues arising, or formal review processes in place that require completion.

Sometimes speaking the truth, holding another person to account, calling out undesirable behaviour or sharing difficult information feels awkward and may even feel risky – as you cannot control or predict how the other person will react.

What you can control, predict and even change, is the defensiveness these conversations may bring up.

This can be achieved by building awareness, preparation and learning some practical techniques.