What is Feedback? The Secret to Professional Development

One of the most important development tools that plays a significant role in individuals' professional development but is often overlooked is feedback. Feedback involves the transmission of information obtained from a person, process, or system back to that person, process, or system. In professional life, it is the process of conveying objective and constructive information about an individual's performance. When given correctly, it helps individuals develop their strengths and improve their areas for development.

What Does Feedback Mean? What is Its Role in Individual Development?

Feedback is an important tool that helps an individual gain insight into their behaviors and performance, evaluate what has been done, and undertake improvement tasks. In the field of individual development, the role of feedback is undeniably significant.

Feedback supports the discovery of strengths and a better understanding of areas that need improvement. Therefore, individuals can identify what they need to focus on to realize their potential. In individual development, feedback is a driving force for continuous improvement and growth. Properly given feedback helps individuals understand themselves better and adopt strategic steps to enhance their performance.

The Importance of Feedback in Effective Communication

Feedback in communication is an indispensable part of a successful communication process and an essential component of individual development. Feedback, which strengthens, improves, and gives meaning to communication between people, also plays an important role in achieving mutual understanding. Understanding the importance of feedback for effective communication is one of the key elements that determine the success of both individuals and organizations.

Feedback helps identify communication gaps, correct misunderstandings, and continuously improve communication skills. Additionally, feedback allows better understanding of the thoughts, feelings, and demands of the person you are communicating with.

For an effective communication process, it is also crucial that feedback is of high quality. Delivering feedback openly, constructively, and sincerely enhances correct understanding and positive interactions in communication. However, it is essential to adopt a supportive rather than a critical approach when giving feedback. This way, it is possible to resolve communication issues, strengthen feelings of solidarity, and establish healthier relationships.

How to Give Constructive Feedback?

Unlike a critical attitude, giving constructive feedback contributes to the other person's development and strengthens communication. Providing feedback sincerely and authentically without hurting the other person's feelings creates a healthy environment for communication and increases mutual understanding. Additionally, avoiding personal judgments and supporting feedback with concrete examples helps the other person develop more easily.

Personality Traits Required for Giving and Receiving Feedback

Feedback is a vital communication tool in all areas of life. The personality traits displayed when giving and receiving feedback are among the main factors that change the course of communication. So, what personality traits should an individual possess when they are in a position to give or receive feedback?

• Being direct when giving feedback is the first step to clear communication. Displaying a respectful but straightforward approach ensures that feedback is goal-oriented and increases its effectiveness.
• Showing empathy when giving feedback is crucial. Understanding the other person's feelings and approaching the issue from their perspective leads to a more constructive feedback process.
• Receiving feedback with an appropriate response rather than seeing it as a personal threat requires effective emotion management. Focusing on development without getting stuck on negative emotions makes it easier to benefit from the feedback to the fullest.
• Being open to change when receiving feedback is a trait that supports development. Seeing feedback as an opportunity and taking steps towards improvement leads to success.

As Baltaş Group, we observe that positive personality traits prevent conflicts in the feedback process and enable healthier resolution. If you want to enrich your knowledge on feedback, you can access the 2019 issue of the Baltaş Group publication Kaynak titled Feedback via https://kaynakbaltas.com/dergiler/geri-bildirim/.

Source; Kaynak Baltaş publication year