Born to Create: How Creativity Sparks Connection, Innovation, and Belonging in our New World of Work

by Anne Jacoby

Effective feedback is: Delivered directly in real time. (Don’t wait for that year-end performance review!) Clear and accompanied by specific real-world examples. (“Hey, remember when you chimed in during our call yesterday to help with Sara’s project? I really liked how specific you were about ways you’ll contribute, and how you committed to a timeline for the next deliverable.”) Tailored to the recipient. (Know and adapt to your audience.) Shared with empathy, care, and thoughtfulness, in the spirit of making someone better. (Imagine sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with someone, rather than across the table from them.) Delivered in private when constructive. (Unlike the theatre world, it’s best to avoid giving critical notes in a public setting.) More frequently positive than constructive. (Research suggests high-performing teams receive six times more positive feedback than constructive feedback, and praise goes a long way with creative thinkers!) Contextualized within external and internal circumstances.