Top tips for impactful feedback conversations
Tips for one female leader to another
Before I begin this blog, I think it’s really important to tell you that the 12 tips I’m about to share with you were put together by inspirational female leaders attending my Female Leaders Group Coaching Programme.
The female leaders compiled the list based on their own experiences, from what they had learned from each other, and the techniques covered throughout the programme. And from what I hear they are putting these tips into practice already and seeing great results!
They’re delighted that I’m sharing their insight in this blog so you too can learn how to have better conversations! They really are tips from one female leader to another. I believe that advice is always valuable, but when it is given from a place of complete understanding and from someone who has walked the path you are about to take, then the advice is worth its weight in gold – and more!
Courageous conversations
I bet that at some point in your career you’ve dreaded giving feedback. It’s common to fear how someone will react to our words. But when you are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to execute the feedback well, you’ll be over the moon with the positive outcome – and so will the recipient. It really is win-win!
Why giving feedback is super important:
It empowers us.
It helps us identify our strengths and weaknesses.
We become more self aware.
We’re able to set goals effectively. I’ve created a blog on the power of collective goal setting that you may want to read too.
It encourages personal accountability.
It strengthens relationships.
Feedback conversations really do have the power to motivate
Here’s the list to help you hold better feedback conversations! It was collated during our Courageous Conversations session – just one topic covered in the group coaching programme.
Act fast. Allowing time to pass weakens the effectiveness of the feedback.
Always give feedback from a position of care.
Rehearse beforehand to bring clarity to the conversation and to identify any potential objections.
Empower people to create their own narrative and provide their own solutions to build ownership and accountability.
Pause.
Be positive and open minded.
Get clear on the purpose and desired outcome of the conversation at the outset.
Allow time. Courageous conversations can’t be rushed!
Be aware of the environment. Avoid talking in spaces where there’ll be distractions or too much noise.
Stick to the facts. Base your feedback on observations and evidence
Keep it objective.
Keep to the point.
When you see someone do something good, tell them.
No matter how big or small, or whether it was related to their role or not, when you see someone do something good tell them that you noticed. They’ll feel valued, respected, and seen – just three reasons why they’ll go on to keep pushing themselves forwards.
Tips and ideas are abundant when you work with others. And it’s more fun too.
Whenever we embark on an adventure, our experience is always heightened by those we meet along the way – don’t you agree. I want you to think of your professional journey as an adventure too. That said, don’t try to go it alone, enjoy the ride with others who share the same aim as you. The aim to succeed!
This is why group coaching programmes are so amazing. They become safe places where female leaders can open up, ask for advice, listen to others, be supported, be motivated, be encouraged, be accountable, and share their experiences, insights and wisdom.
When we surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, we boost our decision-making skills by listening to diverse perspectives, we become more inspired, we improve our communication and collaboration skills, and increase our access to new networks and opportunities.
Simply put, we’re stronger together.
Want to find out more about my group coaching programmes?
Not only would I love to be a connection in your growing network, I’d love to share with you my proven tools and techniques to help you turn your aspirations into reality. Knowing how to hold better conversations will hugely help you achieve this.
When you work with me, either on a 121 basis or in a group coaching programme you become part of my Female Leadership Collective and have access to a wider network of female leaders and exclusive resources. You don’t need to meet any criteria for joining – you just need a fire in your belly to get the life you want! Feel free to get in touch to learn more.
*Group coaching programmes run in collaboration with Circle Leadership and funded by EM3 & with the University of Chester as part of their Annual Diversity Festival
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