Practical guide to improving working relationships

Do you ever think about how to tell your colleague that their presentation was as captivating as a documentary about growing grass on a Monday without making them feel disappointed? Or how to take criticism without making you run to the bathroom crying? Welcome to our crash course on 'How to give and receive feedback without causing a mess in the office'!

What is constructive feedback and why should you care?

Constructive feedback is a magic mirror that shows you not just how you look, but how you can look better. Like someone saying "Hey, you have a little lipstick on your teeth, but you look fantastic today!". It's meant to help you grow, not make you want to hide under your desk.

How to give feedback without sounding like Darth Vader

• Be specific: Instead of saying "Your presentation was boring", try "Slide 27 about sock sales statistics made me dream of my vacation in Bali". It's more useful and less brutal.
• Focus on the behavior, not the person: "You're always late" sounds like an accusation. "I've noticed you've been late for the last three sessions" sounds like a scientific observation. Be Sherlock, not Judge Dredd.
• Offer solutions: Don't just point the finger at the problem, be part of the solution. "What if we had a punctuality contest? Last one in gets donuts for the whole team!"
• Use the "sandwich" technique: Start with something positive, slip the less pleasant feedback in between, and end on an upbeat note. A Big Mac of communication!

How to get feedback without going into full defensive mode

• Active listener: When you get feedback, don't think about the reply. Listen as if the secrets of the universe are being revealed to you.
• Ask for clarification: If something is not clear, ask. "When you say I have Labrador energy, is that good or bad?"
• Don't take everything personally: Feedback is about your actions, not about your essence as a human being. You're just someone who can do things differently.
• Reflect and act: After receiving feedback, pause, take a deep breath, and think about how you can use the information. Like getting clues to a hidden treasure trove of personal development.

Creating a positive feedback environment

• Encourages open dialog: Organize weekly "Honesty Hour." With coffee or tea and a little chocolate, maybe with music in the background
• Set clear rules: "What happens in feedback, stays in feedback" (except for things that really need to be changed, of course).
• Recognize efforts: Praise in public, criticize in private. And if you can do it with a classy accent, all the better!

Overcoming obstacles in giving and receiving feedback

Sometimes giving feedback can be as cozy as a hug with a hedgehog. If someone gets defensive, try rephrasing, "I'm not saying your report is wrong, I'm just saying it could benefit from fewer memes and more figures."

Constructive feedback is a superhero in the professional world. With these techniques, you can turn difficult conversations into opportunities for growth (and maybe even funny moments). Who knows, you might end up looking forward to the feedback sessions!

Are you ready to become a master of constructive feedback? Or do you prefer to stick to the strategy of leaving passive-aggressive notes at the water dispenser or on the sugar box? Remember: good feedback is a verbal hug - so make it warm, sincere and not too long, it gets awkward!

Let's get to know each other!