Giving a client input on what they need to work on as a coach runs the risk of being interpreted as criticism. This could ultimately alienate the client rather than aid them in learning and achieving their goals. The likelihood is that your client won’t bother to listen to you if they are insulted by the feedback.
There are techniques you can employ to make sure you’re providing the proper kind of feedback that will assist your customer to realize how they can improve their skills and behaviours while walking the line between helpful and destructive criticism.
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Pay Attention To The Results Of Their Deeds
The customer’s behaviours, actions, or words should be the emphasis of the feedback rather than the client as a whole. Discuss the potential psychological effects of these actions on both their own and/or other people’s psyches. While observing their response, break your feedback down into smaller questions or crucial themes. If the client shows interest in your inquiry or your perspective, you can continue the conversation by asking more questions or making more arguments.
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Declare Your Criticism As A Successful Objective
Instead of criticizing what they are doing incorrectly, point out the conduct that will help them succeed. Stating, “You interrupt people all the time,” for instance, might not be preferable to saying, “Let other people finish their comments first, and let them know you heard them. (I mean, I would definitely take this positively). Then express your point of view.” A positive objective is simpler to accept and realize.
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Being sincere, truthful, and punctual
Honest feedback that is provided in real-time is necessary to provide the appropriate feedback. It is improper to let issues fester and refrain from providing comments. You know you’re doing it right when you hear feedback and no one becomes defensive. If the recipient is responsive and you succeed in involving them and giving them power—rather than putting them down—you’ve given successful feedback.
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Give Them The Tools To Make The Right Decision
The most effective strategy for avoiding offering clients unproductive and damaging criticism is to assist and empower them to come to their own decisions. This can be a little tough at first since you don’t want to come off as manipulating, but it can be a wonderful eye-opener for clients without running into the danger of being hurt. It’s always better to arrive at your own, guided realization than to have it determined for you.
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The right combination of objectivity and empathy
Constructive critique requires striking a balance between objectivity and empathy. Take a close look at the particular circumstance your client is facing, remove yourself from the scenario so you can see it from an objective standpoint, and make sure to provide any constructive criticism or comments with empathy and in words that may be resolved.
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Powerful inquiries while you wait
If we ask challenging questions and patiently wait for an answer, our clients come up with the most insightful ideas. One technique I’ve found to be effective is to ask the question,
“If you were providing this feedback to yourself, how would you express it so that you could actually hear it and critically contemplate what to do about it?”
They have plenty of time to consider it after that, I tell them. You can also ask yourself this so you can be sure you’re being helpful with your feedback.
