Guidelines for giving difficult feedback

  1. First think about what you are trying to achieve from the feedback
  2. Have a positive intent in mind – look to help the person
  3. Analyse how the person might react
  4. Create the right environment – think about when you give the feedback
  5. Think carefully about the words you use
  6. Avoid using statements like “You have a bad attitude…”
  7. Be solutions focused not problem focused
  8. Use facts only – Never use hearsay
  9. Don’t dress the feedback up – be direct don’t go round the houses
  10. Offer feedback to a person – don’t force someone to accept