In: Nursing
Technical writing
What type of peer feedback can I offer on the (warhead storage instructions)
"It is necessary for technical reasons that these warheads should be stored with the top at the bottom and the bottom at the top. In order that there may be no doubt as to which is the top and which is the bottom, for storage purposes it will be seen that the bottom of each head has been labeled with the word TOP."
As organizations move towards cultures of coaching and real-time feedback, the ability of peer groups to provide meaningful performance feedback will need to grow. In some regards, giving difficult feedback to a peer can be even more challenging than if it were part of your supervisory duties. Since giving peers feedback often isn’t required or part of the group’s norms, providing performance coaching can feel out-of-place to initiate. And if this is the first time, your peer might not understand your motivations. Whether this is a new behavior you’d like to start for your group, something you’re intentionally trying to develop for yourself, or stems from a desire to help a particular colleague, here are a few things to consider that can help you take a coaching approach to providing performance-focused feedback:
When you’re ready to provide difficult feedback with an open mind and an open hand, consider this process:
Behavior – Focus on the specific behavior or action that you would like to provide feedback on. Simply tell them what you’re noticing.
Inquiry – Ask open ended questions to try to better understand your peer’s intentions. What caused them to choose to behave or take the action they did?
Result – Explain the result of that individual’s actions or behaviors on you, the team, and/or the organization. Help the individual understand how their actions had an impact and ask how that matters to them.
Action – Articulate a possible action you suggest your peer take as a result of the feedback conversation. Check in to see if that strikes a chord or what they would like to consider doing differently. Ask how you can support them and explain what next steps you will take to do so.
Remember, you don’t have to give difficult feedback and your peer doesn’t have to do anything with it. Make providing difficult feedback to a peer a positive experience by demonstrating you are noticing them and are in support of their growth. Rather than dropping a bomb and leaving your colleague to figure what to do alone, let them know you are available to support and partner with them on their terms.