Can I give you some feedback? And other ways to not offer ideas


Here are some tips for better collaboration

[Editor’s note: This is the fifth installment in Jennifer Abrams’ ‘Personal Development’ column for eSchool News. In her columns, Abrams focuses on leadership skills for anyone working in a school or district. Read more about the column here.]  

Have you ever heard the question, “Can I give you some feedback?” Did you want to say “No” immediately? Did your fight-or-flight reflex go into hyper mode? If so, you are not alone. Framing feedback with that question starter has a neurologically negative impact.

In “SCARF: a brain-based model for collaborating with and influencing others,” Dr. David’s Rock article in NeuroLeadership Journal, he states: “In most people, the question ‘Can I offer you some feedback?’ generates a similar response to hearing fast footsteps behind you at night. Performance reviews often generate status threats, explaining why they are often ineffective at stimulating behavioral change.”

“Can I give you some feedback?” is in most cases followed by “You might want to think about….” or “Something to consider could be…” and, given that you have just upped someone’s blood pressure with the initial inquiry, it might not be a great place to begin.

Offering a suggestion is tricky business, so here a few ideas to make your suggestion be something that another person can hear.

(Next page: Better ways to offer feedback)

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