Traditional 360° feedback and performance evaluations can hurt more than help, despite our best intentions. You've likely experienced this first-hand - the disheartening feeling that comes with being criticized and the natural inclination to defend yourself. We're all human, after all, and it's difficult to hear about what we perceive to be our problems and failures, even when we're eager to know about how we can improve.

There is an alternative - reframe the way you give and receive feedback, focusing on suggestions instead of criticism. It may seem like a simple and subtle difference, but it can have a powerful impact on our performance and engagement.

Criticism:

• Focuses on the negative, and damages self esteem.

• Feels painful and hurtful, and leads us to put up defenses.

• Tends to be perceived as ‘who we are’, and difficult to change (e.g., “I can’t handle conflict”).

Suggestions:

• Focuses on the positive, and on our capacity for change.

• Feels helpful and beneficial, and encourages us to listen.

• Tends to be seen as ‘what we do’, and something we can improve (e.g., “Dealing with conflict right away would help me diffuse it more quickly and easily”).