4 Hints for Giving Feedback to Manager
1️⃣ Prepare Yourself
Gather objective arguments and valid facts about why your manager’s decision was wrong.
Forget about “always”, “never”, and “often”. These words generalize. Be specific. Be factual and express what you see.
2️⃣ Initiate a 1:1 Meeting With Your Manager
Give negative feedback privately. If you do it in front of other team members, you’re risking activating your boss’s defense barriers.
3️⃣ Don’t Focus On Their Mistake
Let the conversation be about the solution of the problem – share ideas on how to better the situation.
4️⃣ Use I-Statements
Beware of the word “you”. People get defensive quite easily when they are the center of negative attention. If possible – introduce the problem from your point of view. The person will feel less blamed.
1 Bonus Hint
A good approach would be to put your manager in the role of your advisor – ask for their advice.
Example:
“I have a problem with…”
“It’s difficult for me to…”
“Tell me how to approach this. What would you do in this situation?”
Implement their advice. If the solution doesn’t work, your manager will acknowledge their mistake and they will realize the problem themselves.
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