What are the most effective feedback strategies for teams in conflict?
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Feedback is a vital tool for improving team performance and resolving conflicts, but it can also backfire if done poorly. How can you give feedback that is constructive, respectful, and effective, especially when emotions are running high? In this article, you will learn some of the most effective feedback strategies for teams in conflict, based on coaching and mentoring principles and practices.
Before giving feedback, you need to understand what is causing the conflict and how it affects the team's goals, relationships, and morale. Is it a clash of personalities, values, or expectations? Is it a lack of communication, collaboration, or trust? Is it a mismatch of skills, roles, or resources? By identifying the root cause, you can tailor your feedback to address the specific issue and avoid making assumptions or generalizations that might worsen the situation.
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Alan Saporta
Chief Technology Officer | Agile Champion | Schwab, Disney, IBM alum
Root cause investigation is done most effectively when approached in an objective manner. It's critical to create a non-judgemental, safe environment - an environment that allows people to admit mistakes. By framing mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve, you will increase both the speed and the quality of your root cause analysis.
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Ingrid Rosenberg Arbenz
Executive & Team Coach. IAC-CC. Soft Skills Development Facilitator, Volunteer & Proud Mom
In my experience before giving feedback I need to be open and focus on receiving it, listening to the other part, asking questions and understanding what their needs are. Only then I can share my perspective and offer my feedback. It is likely others will listen more if I can listen to them first. It may not feel easy, but the more we do it the easier it becomes.
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R S R.
Strategy Nerd / Entrepreneur at heart / Tech Geek
The most effective feedback mechanism is one that provides a 360 degree view of the problem statement and views of stakeholders involved. This avoids cognitive or confirmation biases that tend to creep in when feedback is unidirectional. Secondly, the best feedback is one that is timely. It ensures accuracy of content while eliminating padding to a large extent.
Timing and setting are crucial for delivering feedback effectively. You want to avoid giving feedback when the team is under stress, pressure, or deadlines, as this might increase their defensiveness and resistance. You also want to avoid giving feedback in public, where the team might feel embarrassed, exposed, or attacked. Instead, choose a time and place that is calm, private, and conducive to dialogue. You might also want to ask the team for their consent and readiness to receive feedback, as this shows respect and builds rapport.
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Shreya Mehta
Talent Acquisition / Recruiting/ HR / Professional Growth Coach
Timing and setting play a pivotal role in the effectiveness of feedback delivery. It's not just what you say but when and where you say it that matters. Addressing team members during moments of high stress or in public can be counterproductive, leading to defensiveness and reduced receptivity. Choosing a calm, private space for feedback creates an atmosphere of trust and openness. Seeking consent from the team members demonstrates respect for their feelings and readiness, building stronger rapport. It's a thoughtful approach that ensures feedback is constructive and well-received, ultimately contributing to team growth and collaboration
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Courtney R.
MBE Director at UCare
Agree that timing and setting is crucial. At the same time, do not wait for the "perfect timing and setting" as the opportunity to address the concern could lose the significance as too much time has lapsed. Commit to follow up discussions as some individuals or groups may need time to digest the feedback. Feedback and effective communication shouldn't be one sided.
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John Emmanuel T.
Marketing at MultiBank Group | Forex Trader | Educator
Timing and environment are key factors in effective feedback. As a coach, I would emphasize the importance of creating a safe and private space for feedback conversations. Make sure team members are emotionally ready to engage, and consider their schedules and workloads to choose an appropriate time.
The SBI model is a simple and powerful framework for giving feedback that focuses on the situation, behavior, and impact. The situation describes when and where the conflict occurred, the behavior describes what the team did or said that caused the conflict, and the impact describes how the behavior affected the team's performance, feelings, or outcomes. By using the SBI model, you can give feedback that is specific, factual, and objective, rather than vague, judgmental, or personal.
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Emilie Salvi
Learning & Development: Advisor + Consultant + Trainer + Creator of Bureau Community • Learning & career management guide 💡
I just delivered two trainings for a small company of 30 employees on peer feedback using the SBI model. For a flat hierarchy organization, where open communication is encouraged, it becomes a battle of the loudest. In this case, there are many smart and introverted people, especially in larger meetings, whose voices disappear. With this model's precision, clear approach, and ability to be used for both positive and constructive feedback, it empowers everyone to speak up.
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Shreya Mehta
Talent Acquisition / Recruiting/ HR / Professional Growth Coach
The SBI model is indeed a fantastic approach for giving feedback effectively. Breaking it down into situation, behavior, and impact makes the feedback specific and objective, which is key for constructive communication. It takes away the ambiguity and subjectivity, ensuring that the feedback is valuable and actionable and not personal. This frameworks gives us a structure around the conversation, thus making it professional and on point.
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John Emmanuel T.
Marketing at MultiBank Group | Forex Trader | Educator
The Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) model is a valuable tool for providing feedback. I'd encourage team leaders to use this framework to make their feedback specific and constructive. This model can help team members understand not only what needs to change but why and how.
Feedback should not be only about pointing out what the team did wrong, but also about acknowledging what they did right. Positive feedback can motivate, encourage, and reinforce the team's strengths, achievements, and progress. Negative feedback can correct, guide, and challenge the team's weaknesses, mistakes, and areas for improvement. By balancing positive and negative feedback, you can give feedback that is fair, honest, and supportive, rather than harsh, biased, or demoralizing.
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Tarun Pare
𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚖 𝙳𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛 & 𝚃𝚎𝚌𝚑 𝙵𝚊𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚢 - 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚎𝚐𝚎𝙳𝚎𝚔𝚑𝚘(𝙸𝚇𝙿)📝|| 𝙰𝚌𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚌 & 𝙲𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚛✍️𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚞𝚕𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚝 👨🏫|| 𝙱𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚐𝚎𝚛 💻
Effective feedback strategies for teams in conflict include: 1. Maintain Open Communication 2. Focus on Behavior, Not Personality 3. Use "I" Statements statements to avoid blaming others. 4. Active Listening 5. Facilitate Constructive Discussions 6. Promote Empathy 7. Set Clear Expectations and Goals 8. Regular Evaluation 9. Timely Feedback 10. Problem-Solving Opportunities Cultivate a Collaborative Culture 11. Confidentiality and Trust By implementing these strategies, teams can effectively address conflicts, improve communication, and work harmoniously together.
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Courtney Oaks
Data Storyteller creator | Revenue Analyst | Business Analytics | Data Visualization | Training and Implementation (GTM) | Project Management | SQL | Tableau | Excel & Google Sheets
I've found that balancing positive and negative feedback is a real game-changer. Recognizing the team's strengths and celebrating their wins can be a powerful motivator. At the same time, gently addressing areas for improvement can guide the team to grow even stronger and efficient. This approach helps develop a positive and high-achieving team.
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Upasana C. Shrivastava
CMMI Consultant for Dev & SVC., Project Management Consultant and Mainframes DB2 DBA
When giving feedback one should start with positives first as it boosts the morale of the receiver and then it should be followed by the pointers which say about the scope of improvements .
Feedback should not be a one-way communication, but a two-way conversation. You should not only give feedback to the team, but also invite feedback from them. Asking the team for their perspective, opinions, and suggestions can help you understand their needs, concerns, and expectations. It can also help you identify any gaps, misunderstandings, or disagreements that might hinder the resolution of the conflict. By inviting feedback from the team, you can give feedback that is collaborative, respectful, and effective, rather than imposing, dominating, or ineffective.
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John Emmanuel T.
Marketing at MultiBank Group | Forex Trader | Educator
Feedback should be a two-way street. Encourage team members to provide their perspectives on the issues and how they can contribute to resolving conflicts. This fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration. As a coach, I'd suggest using techniques like active questioning to elicit valuable insights.
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Jerrod Murr
Co-Founder & Chief Visionary Officer @ Paradigm Shift Leadership | Speaker, Cultural Entrepreneur, Leadership Enthusiast
Seeking feedback begins before you actually need the feedback. One of the ABSOLUTE best strategies we have employed at our company, Paradigm Shift (ps.company), is adopting a culture of “healthy conflict.” This sounds simple, but has been remarkable. Simply by naming it proactively, it has increased feedback at all levels. 1. Name it (we want a culture of…) 2. Talk about it often (especially when not necessary in the moment) 3. Encourage it (especially among senior leaders)
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Michele Carr, M.Ed.
My passion is unlocking people's hidden potential and developing leaders through adaptive training and personalized coaching.
Be ready for the two-way feedback loop. Sometimes, it can seem overwhelming, but it is a game changer because it will elevate and refine your coaching skills. Be patient and kind to yourself. It takes time to grow those coaching skills. We use feedback as a practice to reflect and strengthen our coaching team.
Feedback should not be a one-time event, but a continuous process. You should not only give feedback to the team, but also follow up and follow through with them. Following up means checking in with the team regularly to monitor their progress, provide support, and address any challenges or issues that might arise. Following through means holding the team accountable for their actions, results, and commitments, and rewarding or recognizing their achievements. By following up and follow through, you can give feedback that is consistent, reliable, and impactful, rather than inconsistent, unreliable, or meaningless.
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Nicole Stines
Head of People @ Vial | Executive Leadership, HR Strategy & Development | MSHRD, SHRM-SCP | Forbes HR Council | HR Advisory for Tech Startups |
I find that scheduling dedicated "coaching sessions" (separate from a usual 1:1) after delivering feedback can actually be super helpful for not only following up and following through, but for continuing the conversation. When team members feel like they are actually being invested in regularly on how they can improve AND you're helping them get there, it can make a massive difference and really help promote engagement!
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John Emmanuel T.
Marketing at MultiBank Group | Forex Trader | Educator
After providing feedback and initiating conflict resolution, it's essential to follow up and ensure that the agreed-upon actions are being taken. As a mentor, I would emphasize the importance of accountability and supporting team members in their efforts to resolve conflicts.
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Ahmed Ansary
Deputy Head Curriculum _ Director of MOE Subjects
Before giving a feedback, be a good analyst of the situation, share your expectations with everyone, and make sure they understand them. Be informed and knowledgeable and make the employee feel that he or she is the expert, not you. Ask him what he thinks about performance and how it can be improved? Build on his answers, and expect that he does not know or does not have the skill. Your role is to create awareness in him and help him in order to possess knowledge and develop the skill. Be specific, keep your words few, your sentences clear, and your standards achievable.
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Zara Kaisare Morghade
LinkedIn Top Voice ll Director - Human Resources @ Parkar Digital ll Certified POSH Trainer ll CPD HRCI SHRM ISO Certified ll Coach ll Ex-TCS
From experience, I would also suggest to focus on behaviour, not personality while giving feedback. Feedback should be about specific behaviours or actions, not judgments about a person's character. This helps prevent defensive reactions and aggression. Encourage team members to reflect on their own behaviour and contributions to the conflict. Self-awareness is key to personal growth.
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Sabrina Lindner
Writer | Illustrator | Co-founder NuWave Leadership | Inspiring you to unshackle yourself
The most crucial part of any feedback strategy is actually time. If an organisation is not willing to invest the time to nurture a culture in which effective feedback strategies can be put into place, in which the root cause can be identified and teams can learn and practice the feedback strategies that work best for them, then attempting to implement effective feedback strategies can not work out. Especially, because completing the entire cycle of feedback given and accepted, of feedback being worked on and solutions found, requires high levels of awareness, which comes with time and practice.