What do you do if your more experienced coworker needs feedback?

Navigating the scenario where a more experienced coworker needs feedback can be delicate. You might worry about overstepping or causing offense, but remember that constructive feedback is a cornerstone of professional growth. Your approach should be tactful and respectful, acknowledging their expertise while expressing your perspective. It's important to frame your feedback as a means to foster collaboration and improve outcomes, rather than as a critique of their capabilities. By being mindful of your delivery, you can contribute positively to your coworker's development and the team's success.

1 Assess Context

Before addressing your coworker, take a moment to understand the context in which they operate. Consider their role, the nature of the feedback, and the potential impact it may have on their work. Reflect on whether the feedback is solicited or unsolicited and how it aligns with your coworker's goals and responsibilities. It's crucial to gauge the timing and setting for the discussion to ensure it's conducive to a constructive dialogue. By being considerate of these factors, you can tailor your approach to be more effective and considerate.

Add your perspective

Shivangi Sharma✨

🏆 Linkdin Top Voice || 6M Impression || Marketing Strategic || Networking || Education Consultant || Marketing Consultant
Report contribution
If a more experienced coworker seeks feedback, I would approach the situation with respect and humility. I would acknowledge their expertise and contributions, emphasizing that feedback is a valuable tool for continuous growth and improvement, regardless of experience level. I'd then provide constructive feedback in a constructive and non-judgmental manner, focusing on specific observations and offering suggestions for enhancement. I would encourage open dialogue and invite them to share their own insights and perspectives, fostering a collaborative exchange of ideas. By approaching the situation with empathy and a willingness to learn from each other, I aim to contribute to a supportive and development-focused work environment.

Like
Antonio Gil, CEA

Superintendente Governos e Instituições no Santander Brasil | Mentor de Executivos | Conselheiro de Administração| Escritor | Palestrante
Report contribution
Uma das grandes vantagens de lidar com colaboradores seniores é o fato de que a experiência deles lhes permite filtrar bem o que escutam. Aquilo que não fizer sentido, eles deixarão passar, e o que fizer, eles tendem a tomar atitudes sobre. Caso seu feedback seja algo desconfortável, vale a pena escolher um momento menos tenso no dia ou na semana, com o objetivo de gerar rapport.

Translated

Like

2 Prepare Feedback

When preparing to give feedback, focus on specific behaviors or outcomes rather than personal characteristics. Use concrete examples to illustrate your points and avoid generalizations that could be misinterpreted. It's helpful to think about the feedback from your coworker's perspective and anticipate their possible reactions. This preparation allows you to craft a message that is clear, actionable, and supportive, increasing the likelihood that your coworker will be receptive to your insights.

Add your perspective

Antonio Gil, CEA

Superintendente Governos e Instituições no Santander Brasil | Mentor de Executivos | Conselheiro de Administração| Escritor | Palestrante
Report contribution
Assim como ocorre com qualquer colaborador, foque seu feedback nas atitudes que merecem ser reforçadas ou corrigidas e explique as razões pelas quais você as reforça ou as corrige.

Translated

Like

3 Choose Setting

Selecting the right setting for delivering feedback is crucial. Opt for a private and neutral space where your coworker feels comfortable and is less likely to be defensive. Avoid public areas or times when they might feel exposed or embarrassed. A one-on-one meeting is often the best choice as it allows for an open and honest exchange without external pressures or distractions. The setting you choose can greatly influence the tone of the conversation and the effectiveness of your message.

Add your perspective

4 Communicate Tactfully

Approach the conversation with empathy and respect, acknowledging your coworker's experience and contributions. Use "I" statements to express how you perceive the situation and suggest improvements. It's important to listen actively, allowing your coworker to share their perspective and engage in a two-way dialogue. By communicating tactfully, you can foster a positive interaction that emphasizes collaboration and mutual respect.

Add your perspective

5 Encourage Dialogue

Encourage your coworker to participate in the conversation by asking open-ended questions and inviting their input on potential solutions. This collaborative approach helps them feel involved and valued, rather than just being on the receiving end of criticism. It also provides an opportunity for them to clarify any misunderstandings and share their own insights, which can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.

Add your perspective

Brittany Wilson

Organizational Culture | Career Advisor & Coach | Organizational Development
Report contribution
When giving feedback to an experienced co-worker, you need to encourage a dialogue. Feedback should not be one way. Ask questions that help you understand their perspective.

Like
Antonio Gil, CEA

Superintendente Governos e Instituições no Santander Brasil | Mentor de Executivos | Conselheiro de Administração| Escritor | Palestrante
Report contribution
Permita ao colaborador apresentar sua visão sobre as questões abordadas. Todo ponto de vista, no fim das contas, é a vista, vista de um ponto.

Translated

Like

6 Follow Up

After the initial conversation, it's important to follow up with your coworker. This shows that you are invested in their progress and are available for ongoing support. It can also be an opportunity to address any further concerns or to acknowledge improvements that have been made. Consistent follow-up reinforces the importance of the feedback and helps maintain an open line of communication for future discussions.

Add your perspective

Antonio Gil, CEA

Superintendente Governos e Instituições no Santander Brasil | Mentor de Executivos | Conselheiro de Administração| Escritor | Palestrante
Report contribution
Após o diálogo, combine uma nova conversa, semanas ou meses à frente, para uma nova avaliação do que for implementado. Não é errado contar com a maturidade de um colaborador sênior. E diga a ele que está contando com isso.

Translated

Like

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Gustavo André Mota

|Psicologia| |Servidor Publico|
Report contribution
When a more experienced coworker seeks feedback, I approach the situation with respect and constructive communication. Firstly, I acknowledge their expertise and contributions to the team. Then, I provide specific, actionable feedback focused on areas for improvement or refinement, highlighting strengths and offering suggestions for growth. I ensure the feedback is delivered in a supportive manner, emphasizing collaboration and mutual learning. Additionally, I encourage an open dialogue where they feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns. Finally, I offer ongoing support and follow-up to track progress and address any further feedback needs.

Like

What do you do if your more experienced coworker needs feedback?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Context

2 Prepare Feedback

3 Choose Setting

4 Communicate Tactfully

5 Encourage Dialogue

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Career Management

More relevant reading

What do you do if your more experienced coworker needs feedback?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Context

2 Prepare Feedback

3 Choose Setting

4 Communicate Tactfully

5 Encourage Dialogue

6 Follow Up

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills