Your client's communication approach is ineffective. How do you effectively provide feedback to them?
When your client's communication falls flat, constructively guiding them is key. Here's how to help them improve:
- Use specific examples to highlight areas of improvement, avoiding vague critiques.
- Frame feedback positively, focusing on growth and future success.
- Encourage an open dialogue, allowing space for their perspective and concerns.
How have you approached giving feedback that inspires change?
Your client's communication approach is ineffective. How do you effectively provide feedback to them?
When your client's communication falls flat, constructively guiding them is key. Here's how to help them improve:
- Use specific examples to highlight areas of improvement, avoiding vague critiques.
- Frame feedback positively, focusing on growth and future success.
- Encourage an open dialogue, allowing space for their perspective and concerns.
How have you approached giving feedback that inspires change?
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Dr.K.Madhusudhana Rao
Professor and Dean at Vignan's Institute of Information Technology(Autonomous)
I have found constructive feedback very helpful to make the client improve their communication. Befitting courses to be suggested to the client to enhance skills. A book or guide can be gifted to facilitate the client to communicate precisely and effectively.
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It’s essential to balance clarity with empathy! - begin with Positives: start the conversation by acknowledging the strengths of their current approach - use Specific, Measurable Examples: avoid general statements and instead, give clear examples of where the communication strategy may be missing the mark - suggest Clear, Actionable Changes - encourage Open Discussion When I give feedback, I aim to inspire by illustrating a clear connection between proposed changes and their desired outcomes, ensuring they see the value in adjustments without feeling criticized.
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First and foremost, be objective not subjective. Describe the behaviour/communication you have seen and ask for their views/understanding of it. Seek to understand. Ask if they are open to feedback. If they are, engage in a conversation on how their communication may be perceived/received by others. Offer support and guidance if they are open to change. I use the Process Communication Model (PCM) to help clients fully understand the personality of communication and how to effectively communicate with others. Ensure your own communication is effective!
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Effective feedback is the cornerstone of performance management. When given personally, specifically, constructively and honestly, it always derives positive results.
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Feedback thrives when it feels collaborative, not corrective. Start by highlighting what your client does well — it builds trust and shows you’re invested in their success. Then, offer specific tweaks to bring their message into sharper focus, framing suggestions as, “Here’s a small shift that could amplify what you’re aiming for.” Keep the dialogue open, inviting their thoughts to make it clear you’re partners in creating impact. When clients feel genuinely supported, they’re not only more open to change — they’re inspired to refine their vision with renewed clarity and confidence, knowing you’re on their team.
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Para mejorar la comunicación del cliente, la retroalimentación debe ser clara, empática y práctica. Es crucial ser específico al señalar ejemplos concretos, enmarcar la retroalimentación en términos de crecimiento futuro y crear un diálogo abierto para entender las perspectivas del cliente. Además, ofrecer herramientas o recursos prácticos y asegurar un seguimiento continuo facilita el cambio efectivo y muestra compromiso con su éxito. La retroalimentación eficaz no solo mejora la comunicación, sino que también fortalece la relación de confianza con el cliente. Al enfocarse en oportunidades de mejora y ofrecer soluciones concretas, se crea un entorno colaborativo donde ambas partes están comprometidas con el éxito mutuo.
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To improve communication and feedback with this client, set up regular checkpoints, such as brief, focused meetings, to update the project status. Use a clear and visual format, like dashboards or quick reports, to align expectations and reduce the need for continuous interaction. Consider sending post-meeting summaries with key points and agreed actions, encouraging specific feedback.
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When faced with challenging situations, it's wise to adjust your approach with empathy and self-reflection. Here are a few strategies that have worked for me: 1.Rephrase Your Questions: Recognize that the other person may have a different perspective. Clearly articulate what you're seeking before asking for their input. 2.Provide Relevant Examples: When I send a pre-Statement of Work (SoW) document to clients, include examples that clarify their needs and current situation. This helps guide their responses. 3. Communicate Your Preferences: Be transparent about your preferred communication style and channels, while also being respectful of theirs. These strategies can foster better understanding and collaboration.
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A more effective approach to providing feedback is to prioritize curiosity and understanding. Instead of assuming negative intent or jumping to conclusions, we can ask ourselves: "What might be getting lost in translation?" or "How can I communicate this message more clearly?" By approaching the situation with empathy and a willingness to learn, we can foster open and honest dialogue, leading to improved communication and stronger relationships.
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O feedback é fundamental, mas ele precisa ser instrumentalizado e sistematizado nas organizações. Não é adequado que a prática do feedback construtivo dependa apenas da iniciativa pessoal de alguns poucos líderes mais engajados. Cabe à organização fomentar a prática entre todos os níveis de liderança, atribuindo-a como tarefa primária dos seus gestores.
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