Mindful Monday: Elevating Conversations in HR
Posted by Karen Resendez on Oct. 21, 2024 / Mindful Monday, Mindfullness, Professional Development / Subscribe 0
As HR professionals, you know that thoughtful feedback is one of the most powerful tools for improving relationships and driving personal growth. Whether you’re coaching a colleague or guiding a team, how you deliver feedback makes all the difference. Here are three proven techniques to help you give feedback with empathy and impact.
1. The Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Framework
NVC helps you deliver feedback in a way that fosters understanding instead of defensiveness. It’s all about connecting with the other person’s perspective while staying clear on your own feelings and needs.
- Observation: Share what you’ve noticed without judgment or interpretation.
- Feeling: Express how the situation makes you feel.
- Need: Explain the value or need tied to your feelings.
- Request: Offer a specific, collaborative request to move forward.
Example: “When I notice you're not engaging in the team meetings, I feel concerned because I value everyone’s input. Would you be willing to share your thoughts more openly in the next meeting?”
2. Replace "But" with "And"
In feedback, the word "but" can unintentionally negate a positive statement. By using "and" you affirm the person’s strengths while pointing toward areas for improvement.
Example: Instead of saying, “You’re doing great with deadlines, but your reports need more detail,” try, “You’re doing great with deadlines, and I think adding more detail to the reports would make your work even more impactful. Would you be open to adding that in future projects?”
3. Start with an “I Appreciate” Statement
Opening with genuine appreciation sets a positive tone for your feedback. It shows that you see and value their contributions while paving the way for constructive dialogue.
Example: “I appreciate how thorough you’ve been with project updates. Recently, I’ve noticed we’ve had a few delays in getting responses from clients. Would you be open to setting clearer deadlines to help us stay on track?”
Why It Matters
Feedback is a cornerstone of development in HR. When delivered thoughtfully, it not only strengthens relationships but also promotes a culture of continuous improvement.
What’s one technique you use to ensure your feedback is both constructive and supportive? Share with us—we’re all learning together!
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