About this Resource

Managing Research Projects

Managing Research Projects

Providing Feedback

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Feedback can take the form of praise or of constructive criticism intended to help a colleague develop or improve their skills or approach. 

Praise is much more meaningful and motivational for a team member if it is specific and describes exactly what they have done well and why.

The same is true of constructive criticism – it needs to be specific and describe exactly what they have done badly and why. However, it is often much more difficult to give constructive criticism (because if it is done badly it can have a negative impact).
 
The following checklist may help you to prepare to give constructive criticism to a research team member:

  • Before you start make sure you are in the right frame of mind for the task.
  • Separate the problem from the person. Remember that the aim of the discussion is to improve the situation, not make it worse.
  • Find somewhere private to talk.
  • Be respectful at all times – don’t lose your temper and resort to name calling, this will be unproductive.
  • If necessary, describe how the specific behaviour has resulted in a problem arising and/or explain how you feel about the what is happening and the effect it is having on the work and/or other people.
  • Show confidence in your colleague’s ability by asking him/her to make suggestions about how the situation can be resolved.
  • Discuss the ideas and add your own ideas.
  • Identify a mutually acceptable course of action to take.
  • Find out what your colleague has learned from this situation and how he/she might prevent it happening again.
  • The problem may not have arisen purely as a result of the team member’s actions (or lack of), but you also may have some responsibility for it. Seek feedback from the member on this issue and stay open to what is said.
  • Give praise. Problems can only be resolved by encouraging a no-blame environment. In fact, in such an environment, it is more likely that problems will reduce or disappear.
  • Follow up with a review meeting to check progress or whether further assistance is required.

professional development