Have you been biting your tongue just so you don't end up saying anything wrong to your boss? Have you been itching to give your boss some feedback that you and your fellow employees can greatly benefit from? Well, we have all been there. Giving your boss some feedback on how they have been doing things or how the things have been around the office, can be quite challenging.
There are several things that can go wrong. For instance, your boss might not find the feedback constructive and they might take offense from the situation. If such a thing happens, you might end up having a strained relationship with your boss and that can lead to further difficulties in your career. To ensure that you get your point across without affecting your relationship with your boss, you must approach the conversation very carefully. Before you decide how to give a feedback, it is vital to understand just why you should give it in the first place.
Should I Really Give Feedback To My Boss?
Many people hesitate in giving any feedback to their boss because they don't want to have any added pressure but what they fail to understand is that it is very important to provide constructive feedback.
Employees are great players in the office and see the action up close. They know exactly what is happening around the office and what flaws must be fixed.
Keeping this in mind, there are several reasons why employees must be honest to their jobs and give feedback where it's needed.
Since you are an employee you may be able to experience some difficulties that your boss either does not know about entirely or is unaware of the magnitude. This is why it is your responsibility to speak up and address the situation. There is a possibility that your boss might understand the situation and even put your feedback to action.
Similarly, feedback is always an integral part of making things better. Feedback helps us realize where things have gone wrong and how we can fix them. If you have the best interest of the company in your heart then you need to make sure you try your best to deal with the situation and provide your feedback timely. If your feedback is actually able to bear fruits then you will probably get the recognition you deserve. Your superiors might appreciate your efforts and you might even get a promotion if it all works out perfectly.
 However, to ensure that it works out perfectly you need to make sure that you take the right approach when giving the feedback. Here are some tips that will help you give your boss important feedback, without sounding like you are disrespecting them.
Tips To Give Your Boss Constructive Feedback
Here are some actionable tips that can actually help you give constructive feedback without burining bridges with your boss.
Timing Is Important
Timing is very important if you are to give feedback. You need to first assure that your boss is in the mood to listen and will be able to not only communicate but also comprehend what you are trying to say. If your boss is extremely busy and does not have the mental capacity to deal with the situation then it's best to put off the feedback for some other time.
Choose a time and place when you have the complete attention of your boss and there is no other person in the room. This is when you will be able to openly provide feedback and your boss will not feel disrespected.
Your Tone Makes All the Difference
There are several ways of saying something. The way you say something sets the tone for the conversation. If you approach your boss with feedback on the way they have been currently attributing work, you cannot just go ahead using an accusatory tone. You need to approach the situation with a tone that is gentle and calm. Do not panic or get emotional, try to remain as professional as possible so that you are successfully able to get your point across.
Do Not Hide Behind Buffers
Many people avoid giving feedback face to face as it is deemed a difficult conversation. But having a conversation behind the buffer of a screen might not be as fruitful as you want it to be. There are many spaces for your boss to misunderstand what you are trying to say and that will only add more to the misunderstandings and completely defeat the purpose of your feedback.
Timely Feedback is better Than Late Feedback
If you see something going wrong, it is best to stop it in its tracks and provide timely feedback. If you provide feedback exactly when it is needed you might prevent the situation from getting worse. On the other hand, if you delay the feedback you might not be able to get the same results as you want.
Come Up With Actionable Solutions
If you are giving feedback on something you see as a problem then you must go to your boss with not just the feedback but also proposed solutions to those feedbacks. If you come up with solutions to your feedback then your boss will be able to see the problem clearly and will also understand what they can do to fix it. This is a great way for you to show your boss the input you have put into not just addressing the problem but also proposing solutions that can actually materialize.
Feedback Doesn't Always Have To Be Negative
When giving feedback you need to understand that it doesn't always have to be negative feedback. You can also provide feedback if you think that your boss has done something that must be appreciated then you must step up and provide the feedback where it is dude.
Stalling Is Unappreciated
When you initiate the conversation, it is best that you get straight to the point rather than stalling. Stalling will only increase the tension between your employees and add more to the confusion. The moment you get your boss's attention you must address the point and then continue the conversation from there. Do not try to build up a story before you get to your point as that is just you wasting your and your boss's time.
Is Honesty Really The Best Policy?
Now, this is one of the most important questions that employees must ask themselves before they dive right into the feedback. You might be a highly opinionated individual but that does not mean that you should be brutal with your feedback. It is best if you give neutral feedback rather than being extremely negative. The neutral attitude will be less accusatory and you will be able to give more space for a healthy conversation.
Conclusion
To conclude, you must be cautious when giving feedback. Do not shy away from it as it is not only important for also for your company. With the right feedback, you just might be able to turn things around. Keep the aforementioned tips in your mind and you will be good to go.
