When giving feedback, what is an effective approach?

Using 'I' statements and avoiding exaggeration is an effective approach to giving feedback because it focuses on the speaker's personal experience and feelings rather than making accusatory or generalized statements about the behavior of others. This method allows for clearer communication, as it expresses how the behavior affects the speaker personally, which can lead to less defensiveness from the recipient. Moreover, this approach encourages a more constructive dialogue, as it invites the recipient to understand the impact of their behavior without feeling attacked.

For instance, instead of saying, "You always leave your work unfinished," which might provoke defensiveness, one could say, "I feel overwhelmed when tasks are not completed on time." This encourages a more open discussion about the behavior in question and fosters a collaborative environment for problem-solving.

In contrast, using general labels, speaking only for the group, or being vague can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts, making the feedback less effective and impeding the ability of the recipient to improve their behavior.