#EDvice: Timeliness of Feedback is Vital

Assisting others to be their best is something that we all can do through feedback. Sometimes it is as simple as making an effort to point out commendations that serve as validation and pieces of advice to improve performance. However, sometimes our delivery and words mean otherwise. It is vital to make the distinction between feedback and criticism. Feedback is information about reactions to a product or a person's performance of a task, which serves as a basis for improvement. Criticism, on the other hand, is the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes. With growth being the end goal, feedback must be facilitated in a way that moves others to reflect on their work and take the necessary steps to get better.  

"The importance of feedback to grow and improve is undeniable. EVERYONE benefits when it becomes a consistent component of culture. However, we must make sure feedback is TIMELY for it to have value to those we are trying to help."

If the main goal is to use feedback as a catalyst for improvement, then why delay it? This is one of the reasons why I don’t really like final exams. Students rarely receive good feedback that informs their learning as they are typically given these exams at the end of the school year and are then graded up until the last minute. Delaying feedback allows minor problems to fester into larger ones potentially. The bottom line is that the more time that goes by the feedback that could have really made an impact will not be valued as much, if at all.

Feedback stings when it is not: 

1. Delivered with sincerity
2. Grounded in practicality
3. Given in a timely manner

As I shared in Disruptive Thinking, timeliness is critical, but keep in mind that it must be practical, specific, consistent, and facilitated positively. It is also crucial to determine the right strategy or medium for facilitation.