In this week’s episode of Design Life we discuss how direct is being too direct with feedback and general workplace communication. With remote working and working from home in full swing, we have lost the office cooler moments and lunch time chit chat that help us navigate communication at work and give us an insight into how our work and contribution is being received by those around us. It can be difficult to get the tone right when communicating predominantly through email. Fear of being misunderstood can mean we over do the pleasantries and the most important message can be lost. We share how we keep our emails in check while being direct, empathetic and genuine.
The more someone knows you and can read the tone in your written communication the less you have to worry about it being misunderstood. This is why it is so important to put the time in to building relationships, it will help in almost every aspect of your work.
Try giving feedback using a shit sandwich, but make sure it is genuine. Start with a positive, then give your constructive criticism and finish on a positive note. When giving feedback also comment on what you wouldn’t change and what is working well.
Learn about how the people on your team best like to receive feedback. If you ask for someone to give you feedback in a different way, it can be a good time to check in and see if how you give them feedback could also be improved.
Take responsibility for your role in why there is room for constructive criticism. Did you give enough direction at the start of the project? If some of the mistakes because the person carrying out the work didn’t have all the information they needed, own up to it.
There is a time and a place to be direct, however context is important. Ensure that you have set a clear intention that everyone can understand.
04.11 – Catch up
05.25 – The inspiration for today’s episode
14.11 – Giving constructive feedback
16.30 – Written feedback
20.00 – Communicating directly
