How to Appropriately Handle Constructive Criticism No matter the profession you currently inhabit, sooner or later you will be asked to provide feedback on another person. It might happen at the time of a co-worker’s evaluation, or while orienting new employees. Feedback should exist to improve your own nursing skills, as well as prove valuable cross-examinations of colleagues. A form of feedback is a useful method to help develop your personality. Thus it is also necessary that you dish it out in a well-mannered way. It might appear that sugar coating the truth is the way choice in order to protect someone, but this is not true. Constructive criticism is an art that requires practice. Try to take help from a friend or family, who will assist you in this matter to practice the new skills. These tips will help you develop your skills gradually. Related: Top 5 Reasons to Have a Blog Use the “sandwich technique” The most useful technique for giving constructive feedback is the sandwich technique. All you need to do is manage your words so beautifully that from start and finish, the feedback is surrounded by positivity. It will leave a better impression on the person, and they will consider it advice. Voice and body language matters Your voice and the body language should communicate in tandem. Try to balance your body language with your words. Otherwise, if the tone of your voice and body language oppose each other, then your message will not be well received. Elaborate the problem It will be more helpful if you elaborate on the problem. Tell them the areas where you see a problem, the reasoning, and what effects it may carry. Finally, suggest how the problem can be rectified. Don’t ruin self-respect If you have any negative feedback then doesn’t present it in private, as it may become a matter of self-respect. Don’t pinpoint mistakes in front of others, especially patients. Instead, find a proper place where you can discuss the matter. Don’t be personal Whether it is about the behavior or attitude, you should never make it personal. Otherwise, it will cause bitter and offensive results. The necessary distinction is to analyze their behavior, not personality.
Related: Top 5 Reasons You Should Get to Know Your Preceptor Describe positively Wouldn’t it be better to say that they could be smarter instead of telling them that they are stupid? It is more beneficial to say that it can be done in a better, instead of saying they have done worse. Both dialogues are different, one is appearing to be a complaint and the second appears to be a suggestion or idea. Suggest a solution for the problem Represent yourself as a helper to solve the problem with that person. Just complaining the problem without any suggested solution, often imposes an impact that the complaining person has some enmity with or jealousy against the other person. Even bringing a solution causes an impression that you’re looking for the good of that person and the hospital. Every person has some weak areas; everyone commits some mistakes in his. Everyone has some areas in his life for improving. No one is perfect in this world. Then why not help each other to cover up the weak areas. Polish your skills Listening and speaking carefully helps you understand and explain the situation easily. If it were you who gave feedback, then don’t forget to thank the person for listening to you. And if the other person was suggesting a solution to an issue then don’t forget to thank them either. Such good manners help you maintain a better relationship with the other person. Eye contact really matters Use eye contact properly according to the situation. This may vary according to the other person’s cultural belief. Because some people consider the direct eye contact as a disrespect. Now that you’ve gone through these ideas, you’re ready to practice all these things. Think of a situation in which you may give constructive feedback to someone. And then try to practice with your selected partner. It is a necessity to give feedback to the co-workers to keep up the quality of care. These tips can help you improve your own nursing skills and it will benefit others too. Related: The Evolution of the Nursing Uniform
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