I think feedback is fantastic… When done well.
It helps you course correct and spot gaps between your perception and others’.
I also think giving good constructive feedback is very difficult. The situation is fraught with sensitivities.
Finding the right phrasing so you can help them learn whilst maintaining (at least) an amicable relationship is a valuable skill.
But the prospect of this balancing act can be too much for some and so performance reviews are done hastily to tick a box or avoided altogether.
To add another factor into the mix I believe constructive feedback is only helpful when the receiver is doing it of their own volition.
I think they genuinely need to want to improve and that you believe they are committed to changing for the feedback to be useful.
If they aren’t, if they are only seeking feedback because that’s what the rule book says then I’m not sure if the emotional labour is worthwhile. Because then they’re not in the right mindset, they’re not looking for golden learning nuggets they’re just doing it to tick a box and there’s a much higher chance of being misinterpreted and someone taking offence.
Thomas Duggan 