Why Does Sharing Peer Feedback Have to be So Hard?

Why Does Sharing Peer Feedback Have to be So Hard?

January 16, 2024 •. Greer Procich

Sharing quality, meaningful feedback is not an easy task, and exchanging feedback between peers is no exception. However seemingly straightforward this process may seem, it is often fraught with challenges that employees must navigate.

Since it’s performance review season in many companies, this blog post will cover some common difficulties team members encounter when providing their peers with impactful feedback, and explore targeted strategies to enhance this essential aspect of professional growth.

Pitfalls of Peer Feedback

Uncertainty About Reception: Navigating the uncertainty of peer-to-peer feedback hinges on concerns about how recipients will react. Fear of defensiveness, conflict, or damage to relationships can make it difficult to provide honest feedback. This hesitation is amplified when individuals naturally avoid confrontation, leading to feedback that lacks specificity and fails to address areas of improvement directly.

Timing: In the current remote and asynchronous work landscape, finding the opportune moment for feedback delivery can be challenging. The impact of feedback can be compromised when provided hastily or in inappropriate settings, while delayed feedback may erode trust and confidence. The delicate balance between workloads and timely feedback often leads to prioritization challenges, with feedback frequently taking a backseat.

Balancing Positive and Negative Feedback: Managing the delicate dance of providing positive feedback and constructive criticism is challenging to avoid burning bridges or doing more harm than good. Overemphasizing positivity may overlook crucial issues, while excessive criticism can harm trust. Achieving this balance is vital for effective feedback, as missteps can discourage open communication, and relationships could suffer for the long term.

Creating Safety in Sharing Peer Feedback

Enhancing your peer-to-peer feedback skills may require a bit of practice, but the process isn't too daunting to master. Establishing a routine for sharing feedback becomes more seamless with repetition, and at Flint, we're taking the concept of peer feedback further by implementing processes that enable teams to stay actively involved in fostering each other's growth. In this environment, feedback can be exchanged frequently and at the most crucial junctures, supporting a dynamic and supportive feedback culture.

• Share Peer Feedback Intentionally : While this blog post highlights written feedback, it's important to recognize that feedback comes in various forms, and your approach should adapt to the sensitivity of the information. For highly sensitive matters, consider delivering feedback in person. If you opt for written communication, Flint addresses this by integrating features like visibility controls, ensuring your insights reach the intended audience while maintaining confidentiality.

• Get in the Habit of Giving Feedback : Incorporating dedicated time for feedback into your routine is a crucial habit. Flint simplifies the process of staying engaged in peer feedback, allowing for the seamless completion of tasks directly within Slack. By integrating feedback seamlessly into routine interactions, ensuring it is shared promptly empowers peers to take actionable steps toward improvement, ultimately contributing to the creation of a psychologically safe environment.

• Focus on Growth : Orienting feedback appropriately takes practice, and a good place to start is identifying opportunities for individuals to grow in ways that are meaningful to them. At Flint, we've intentionally designed our feedback forms to incorporate aspects of strengths and areas for growth. Our approach enables individuals to foster an environment where feedback is viewed as a catalyst for growth, promoting a constructive and supportive atmosphere.

Despite its challenges, acknowledging the significance of peer-to-peer feedback is crucial for the personal and professional development of every team member. Flint provides a streamlined platform to effortlessly convert the feedback process into a collaborative journey of growth. With the right support, you can take deliberate steps to enhance your proficiency in sharing peer feedback and propel you and your peers to greatness.

At Flint, we’re building a platform to help organizations achieve Continuous Alignment. Interested in learning more? Reach out at hello@flint.cc.