You should try this… giving positive feedback
Designers and clients don’t speak the same language. End of. Designers creativity delivers one thing and clients mindsets (and budgets!) expect another. Continuing our “You should try this…” series, we thought we would take a look into giving positive feedback. If you caught our last post then you’ll know all about receiving feedback constructively by now, but what is it like when the shoe is on the other foot when you have to be the one giving that feedback. 
Design is a collaborative and communicative process and designers need their clients to give clear direction and effective feedback. Here at make it pop we think many people underestimate just how important the role feedback plays in a project. But, it is also about knowing just how to deliver that feedback so it does not lead down a negative spiral and instead becomes a learning tool to develop from. So, let’s take a look at some of our handy tip!
If feedback is difficult, you’re doing it wrong!
Just like you shouldn’t be defensive and argumentative when receiving feedback, you also shouldn’t be delivering feedback likes its an attack on the designer. 
Constructive feedback helps to change or eliminate the behaviours that detract from performance, while positive feedback helps reinforce those that strengthen performance. It is important to learn that by delivering positive feedback, you will end up with better designs, stronger working relationships and a collaborative team.
Delivering positive, effective feedback can not only help designers develop but you as a leader, manager, client (whatever your title may be!) grow too. You will be able to open lines of communication which in turn will increase engagement from your designers. Feedback will also help improve a stagnant situation so problems can be solved faster. It’s a win-win all round by taking just 10 minutes to give feedback!
Ditch the “sandwich”!
We all know the one. Say something good, chuck all the negative criticisms in the middle, then finish again on a positive. All you’re doing is cowering away from being straight and honest. It makes your designers anxious and dilutes any true positive feedback you want to deliver.
On the same strand, positive feedback isn’t about just saying “good job” and moving on. It isn’t a sweeping remark and should be treated like constructive feedback. Positive feedback must be specific and behavioural in nature to be effective. Pin point exactly what it is someone has done well. The more specific you are in giving feedback allows a better opportunity for the designer to understand what behaviours or actions to repeat in the future
Take note!
We have such diverse experiences across the make it pop team. We’ve been at the good, and bad, end of many feedback sessions. Positive feedback can and should be simple to deliver. Here are some of the things we’ve learnt over the years to help you give positive feedback to your designers:
- Understand the designer; the way they communicate, the way they work, their frustrations, their point of view… Designers are people too, don’t forget that!
- Built trust through a working relationship, feedback will mean more if you understand the person giving it.
- Explaining how a designer’s unique strengths can help improve the project
- Feedback is a conversation, allow your designer to speak for themselves and respond to your feedback so you can both develop.
- Be specific and direct with your positive feedback.
- Don’t wait, give that feedback in the moment! Don’t wait for a situation to pass or for the yearly review. Say what is going well now so they can carry it into another project.
- Do your homework! Don’t be unprepared with your feedback. You don’t want to be clutching at straws when your designers are looking to you for an opinion.
- Always give feedback in person! Emails get lost and who writes on paper anymore!
- Be honest, open and speak your mind, share exactly what you are thinking with your designers. If things aren’t going how to envisaged, guide the project with constructive feedback and highlight the things that are working for you with positive feedback.
