Kathy,
As you reference, body language is a crucial component in the communication dynamics process. How someone interprets our body language and tone has a direct impact on his/her perception of our genuine interest, on the message or feedback itself, and even on the professional relationship. Thanks for your comments!
Jay Hollowell
ML120
Thanks Sabina for your examples!
I really like these methods for encouraging anonymous feedback. As you noted, the old-fashioned suggestion box still works as long as its use is encouraged and its suggestions considered/implemented.
Jay Hollowell
ML120
I use active listening techniques. I sit forward in my chair, maintain eye contact, and appropriately add a "yes" or "I see" to acknowledge that I am listening. I paraphrase back to the sender the message(s) I've just received. I keep my body language open - no crossed arms, hands relaxed, shoulders not hunched.
My company has an anonymous email address that employees can email to. Once received, it takes the body of the message and deletes the from section. After a couple of messages it "pots" them to a forum that only management can see. The same procedure applies for non-management as well but a different e-mail address. I've been at the company for about five years now and it seems to be working well.
Personally, I do schedule one on one meetings with my team members to get their feedback but for those who are shy, I have a suggestion box - yes the old fashioned paper kind. Oddly enough all the feedback I get is always typed.
Karen,
I love this! What a great way to encourage buy-in, ownership and protocol! Thanks so much for sharing this in the forum!
Jay Hollowell
ML120 Facilitator
Our team just recently created a committment list to each other. It is intended for all to follow during our meeting times. Below are a few of the key points:
1. Be aware of body language.
2. Be open to constructive criticism.
3. Ask questions.
4. Learn new ideas--and train others.
5. Control your reactions.
The group left feeling positive. Creating this type of environment makes feedback easier to give and to receive.
Hi Sara,
You raise some excellent points. I remember, as a young manager many years ago, multitasking while listening to an employee during a meeting that I had actually called! She commented that she would come back when I had more time to concentrate on our conversation. This has stuck in my mind for years. Feedback is just as much about relationship and professionalism as it is about communication. It looks like that you have established credibility and trust among your colleagues.
Thanks for your input!
Jay Hollowell
ML120
I get and give feedback daily and frequently during the day. To ensure that others feel comfortable, a manager must create a trusting environment. I want my team to feel as though they can trust me and can come to me no matter what. Also, if they trust me and respect my knowledge, they may be more likely to receive my feedback. When someone is talking to me, I try to always turn my chair away from the computer screen and give them my attention and eye contact. I don't want to appear disinterested or too busy for them. These two things are key in my communication strategies with others.
regular meetings both individually and as a team to keep communication open and allow for discussions to improve processes and performance.
Thanks William,
You raise a good point in that it is much about relationship as it is communication,
Jay Hollowell
ML120 Facilitator
Open and honest feedback is critical but not always the easiest to deliver or receive. Getting to know the individual breaks down the barriers of communication and therefore allows for effective feedback to be received.
I have an open door policy. I encourage and actively seek feedback. Sometimes it is not always positive and I may disagree with it but I truly value my peers opinion and encourage their candidness.
Always having an open door policy, also whenever I have a feedback session with one of my employees, I always remind them that this is a two street and that I welcome feedback on ways we can together improve our processes.
Donald,
On point! Body language helps us to get a feel for the perception and reaction of the intended message. Also, the tone of an email is very important since the recipient does not have the advantage of a face-to-face meeting. Thanks!
Jay
ML120
I make an effort to open lines of dialogue by other means than e-mail. E-mail, I find often does not convey the intent of the message. In many cases it will be misconstrued and therefore becomes offensive. The best means for feedback is through face to face dialoguie so that not only the words are heard but the facial expressions and body language can be assessed.
Dana ,
Thanks Dana, it's always an honor to hear from a fellow educator and colleague who, like myself, knows that learning is a life-long experience.
Jay Hollowell
Alonzo,
Great point about eye contact without multitasking, even if your intent is to write down observations about the communication. Full eye contact the entire time demonstrates genuine interest, listening and respect, and ensures that you are on the same page as the communicator. Thanks!
Jay Hollowell
Edward,
Thanks for your comments, particularly your reference to a routine or schedule for supporting faculty. So often, support and feedback is on an as-needed basis; it's great that you have scheduled a dedicated time through which, even with an open door policy, your faculty know they have a specific opportunity for assistance.
Jay Hollowell
Thank you for this question. I am very open to new ideas and are eager to share in terms of ways of improvement. I am happy to receive both positive and constructive feedback as a means for continuing to make improvements.
stop what ever I am doing at the time and make eye contact with the person. I make sure I am NOT writing stuff down, but actually listening to the person who is talking and then just to make sure , I some of he things that I am not quiter sure of what the speaker meant
