Feedback | Meaning and Definition

What is Feedback?

Feedback refers to the process of evaluating and discussing the areas which need improvement. By providing responses to your employees, you can improve your employee’s productivity and performance. Furthermore, this also enables employees to work on their weak areas and progress in their careers.

How to give feedback in the workplace?

Depending on the culture of the organization, there can be many ways of giving feedback to employees, like weekly meetings, personal one-on-ones, 360-degree feedback, and many more. However, it is now always easy to give feedback to employees as some employees can feel discouraged. Therefore, while giving feedback, you need to keep these things in mind:

Have a clear purpose and goal behind the response
Show diplomacy and sincerity in approaching the conversation

Type of Feedback

Positive :

Definition: This assessment makes a point on what was done well, reinforcing positive behaviors or end results.
Purpose: It streamlines the continuation of effective actions and boosts confidence and motivation.

Constructive :

Definition: Constructive feedback concentrates on segments that need improvement, offering suggestions or guidance for better performance in the future.
Purpose: It helps individuals to understand where they can improve and provides a roadmap for development.

Negative :

Definition: This type of assessment points out mistakes or deficiencies without necessarily offering solutions.
Purpose: It identifies problems, but if not delivered carefully, it can be demotivating or perceived as criticism.

Formative Assessments :

Definition: Formative feedback is ongoing and provided during the process of learning or working on a task.
Purpose: It helps individuals make adjustments as they progress, leading to continuous improvement.

Summative :

Definition: It is given at the end of a task, project, or learning period, summarizing overall performance.
Purpose: It provides a final assessment of how well someone performed, often linked to grades, evaluations, or reviews.

Peer :

Definition: Feedback provided by colleagues, classmates, or peers rather than supervisors or instructors.
Purpose: It offers a different perspective and can foster a collaborative environment where individuals learn from each other.

Self Assessment :

Definition: This involves self-assessment, where individuals evaluate their own performance or behavior.
Purpose: It encourages self-reflection, helping individuals recognize their strengths and areas for improvement independently.

Formal Assessment:

Definition: Formal feedback delivered in a structured format, often through official methods like performance reviews, surveys, 360 degree feedback or setting end goals for attaining better results.
Purpose: It provides a documented and often more detailed evaluation, typically used for official records or decisions.

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