This article is a review of “Thanks for the Feedback” by Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen.
Consider the following scenario: a manager is providing performance feedback to an employee. The employee is doing their best, but they are feeling defensive and dejected as the boss cites all of their areas for improvement. The manager, on the other hand, is irritated because they believe their input is falling on deaf ears and the employee is failing to make the required adjustments. This feedback cycle is not only ineffective, but it may also harm the manager-employee relationship!
Here is where the book “Thanks for the Feedback” by Sheila Heen and Douglas Stone may assist people and teams learn how to properly provide and accept feedback, resulting in a more peaceful and productive work environment.
Emotional aspects of feedback
“Thanks for the Feedback” is a very useful guide that attempts to assist people improve their capacity to successfully provide and accept criticism. The authors draw on their wide expertise as consultants, educators and mediators to offer practical tactics and ideas for dealing with criticism in a number of settings, including the workplace, personal relationships, and society at large.
The book’s core focus is on understanding the emotional implications of feedback. The writers recognize that feedback may be a difficult subject for many individuals, and they present tools and approaches for overcoming emotional obstacles that can occur while providing or receiving criticism. They highlight the significance of empathy, trust, and open communication in developing successful feedback relationships and they provide practical advice on how to cultivate these traits in each feedback setting.
The authors demonstrate the essential concepts and tactics given in the book using real-world examples and case studies. These include activities and worksheets to assist readers in applying the principles to their own feedback situations, as well as a wealth of practical tips for enhancing the feedback process.
Structure and style
“Thanks for the Feedback” is divided into three parts. The first examines why feedback might be challenging and offers insights and techniques for overcoming these obstacles. The second part focuses on three triggers that make accepting criticism difficult and provides practical ways for dealing with these responses. The last part connects the offered ideas and tactics to various feedback contexts and gives tools for developing successful feedback connections. The book includes real-world examples, case studies, exercises, and a reference list for additional reading and study, making it an invaluable resource for enhancing the feedback process.
Sheila Heen and Douglas Stone’s writing style is straightforward, engaging, and approachable. The authors demonstrate fundamental concepts and tactics using familiar language and real-world examples, and they utilize a conversational tone that makes the book simple to read and grasp. The writers also employ a hands-on, action-oriented approach to assist readers in applying the principles and tactics offered in the book to their own feedback settings. Overall, the authors’ writing style is engaging and empathic and they do a fantastic job of distilling complicated topics down into basic, concrete actions that readers can take to enhance their feedback process.
Feedback is a gift
“Thanks for the Feedback” is a wonderful resource for anybody interested in increasing their abilities to properly provide and accept feedback. Whether you’re in a leadership or management position, working in a team atmosphere, or simply trying to better your personal and professional connections, this book can assist.
If you’re working in a Scrum Team, this book is especially relevant. Scrum relies heavily on effective and honest feedback between team members, and the strategies and insights in this book can help you navigate the feedback process and build stronger relationships. The book’s focus on managing emotional responses to feedback is particularly valuable in a Scrum Team environment, where feedback can sometimes be challenging.
The book’s Dutch translated title is “Feedback is a Gift,” which effectively describes the book’s theme. Overall, “Thanks for the Feedback” is an excellent resource for anybody looking to better their abilities to manage feedback and develop stronger relationships. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A special shout out to my former co-worker Sammy for gifting me this book when I switched jobs last year. Let’s catch up over coffee soon!