MEMO: CLEARING CONVERSATIONS BEFORE FEEDBACK (BETA)
Memo: Clearing Conversations Before Feedback (Beta)
Before giving feedback, especially in a group setting, have a clearing conversation first.
A clearing conversation is a brief check-in to identify anything that may be coming between you and the other person, or between you and the feedback you are about to give.
What is in the way could be something significant or something completely ordinary. You may be thinking about lunch, worried about a sick relative, distracted by something that happened earlier, tired, frustrated, or simply preoccupied with something random. Whatever it is, acknowledge it rather than allowing it to unconsciously affect how you give or receive feedback.
Instructions
Pause before giving feedback and notice what you are bringing into the conversation.
Ask yourself, “Is there anything between me and this person that could affect how I give or receive this feedback?”
If something is present, briefly name it and acknowledge it. The purpose is not necessarily to resolve the issue, but to create enough clarity to be fully present.
In group settings, make clearing a shared practice. Give people an opportunity to identify anything that may be interfering with their ability to participate fully.
Keep the clearing focused. Name what is present, acknowledge it, and determine whether it needs to be addressed now or can be set aside.
Once the space is clear, move into the feedback with greater presence, openness, and responsibility.
The practice is simple: clear first, then give feedback.