Adapt your feedback to the listener

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Adapt your feedback to the listener

There are four communication styles, and if you can adapt your feedback to the listener’s style, you’ll have a better chance of it landing well.

Giving feedback to direct-style people

• Get to the point, keep it brief and direct

• Show how it helps achieve their results

• Offer a sense of control in the situation

• Be prepared for pushback

Giving feedback to influence-style people

• Be personable and frame in the positive

• Show how it helps/affects people

• Focus on their accomplishments

• Avoid too much detail

• Be prepared for them to brush it aside

Giving feedback to steady/sincere-style people

• Slow down, be sincere & build rapport

• Show how it affects team harmony or disruption

• Explain carefully, showing support

• Be prepared for sensitivity

Giving feedback to conscientious-style people

• Use logic, details, examples, and data

• Show how it impacts process, effectiveness, or efficiency

• Be formal, possibly in writing

• Be prepared to answer questions