Last updated on Jul 8, 2024

Here's how you can provide feedback to team members who have more experience than you.

Navigating the challenge of providing feedback to more experienced team members is a delicate task. It's essential to approach this situation with respect and diplomacy, recognizing the value of their insights while also ensuring that your feedback is constructive and aimed at collaborative improvement. Whether you're a junior consultant or a new manager in a consulting firm, your ability to deliver feedback effectively can significantly impact team dynamics and project outcomes. The key is to foster an environment where experience is acknowledged, but growth and learning are continuous and mutual.

1 Respect Expertise

When offering feedback to seasoned professionals, begin by acknowledging their expertise. This not only shows respect but also sets a positive tone for the exchange. Express appreciation for their contributions and frame your feedback as suggestions rather than directives. By doing so, you create an atmosphere of mutual respect where your insights are more likely to be received as intended – as constructive contributions to the project's success.

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Dayna Powell

I guide business owners from chaos to precision in strategic project management, Do less and achieve more with high-quality systems and processes proven to save you 5-10 hrs/week. Reach out today!⬇️
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Acknowledge and respect the expertise and experience that team members with more experience bring to the table. Recognize their knowledge, skills, and accomplishments, and approach the feedback conversation with humility and openness. Demonstrate a willingness to learn from their expertise and seek their insights on the matter at hand.

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2 Be Specific

Clarity is crucial when discussing areas for improvement, especially with those who have a wealth of experience. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points, focusing on observable behaviors or outcomes rather than personal traits. This precision helps prevent misunderstandings and directs attention to the issue at hand, facilitating a more objective and productive conversation.

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Dayna Powell

I guide business owners from chaos to precision in strategic project management, Do less and achieve more with high-quality systems and processes proven to save you 5-10 hrs/week. Reach out today!⬇️
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When providing feedback, be specific and focus on concrete observations, examples, and actionable suggestions. Avoid making generalizations or assumptions based on their level of experience. Instead, provide specific feedback on behaviors, actions, or outcomes that you have observed. Clearly articulate what was done well and areas for improvement, and offer practical recommendations for enhancement.

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3 Encourage Dialogue

Feedback should be a two-way street. Encourage the recipient to share their perspective and engage in a dialogue. This approach not only shows that you value their opinion but also allows for a richer understanding of the context behind their actions. Moreover, it can lead to a collaborative solution that benefits from the insights of all parties involved.

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4 Offer Support

Offering support is as important as the feedback itself. Let your team member know you're willing to assist them in addressing any areas of concern. Whether it's through additional training, resources, or simply being available for further discussion, your support demonstrates a commitment to their professional development and to achieving team goals.

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5 Follow Up

Feedback doesn't end with a single conversation. Schedule follow-up meetings to discuss progress and address any new challenges that may have arisen. This ongoing engagement shows that you are invested in their continued growth and the long-term success of the team. It also provides opportunities to celebrate improvements and reinforce positive changes.

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6 Maintain Privacy

Finally, always provide feedback in private. Public criticism can be embarrassing and counterproductive, potentially damaging trust and morale. A private setting ensures that the conversation remains focused and respectful, allowing for open and honest communication without the pressure of an audience.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Giorgio Parodi Horsky

Principal Owner at Parodi-Horsky Management Consulting and Training
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When providing feedback to more experienced team members, ensure it is purposeful and constructive. Begin with positive points based on facts to set a positive tone. Follow with factual, respectful constructive feedback, avoiding personal criticism. Collaborate on action plans to address improvement areas. For instance, “Your project management is excellent. To encourage junior members’ input, could we invite their ideas in meetings? This could enhance collaboration.” This approach normally ensures feedback is accepted and effective.

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Here's how you can provide feedback to team members who have more experience than you.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Respect Expertise

2 Be Specific

3 Encourage Dialogue

4 Offer Support

5 Follow Up

6 Maintain Privacy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Management Consulting

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Here's how you can provide feedback to team members who have more experience than you.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Respect Expertise

2 Be Specific

3 Encourage Dialogue

4 Offer Support

5 Follow Up

6 Maintain Privacy

7 Here’s what else to consider

Management Consulting

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