Providing feedback, especially in engineering teams, demands a delicate balance: it must be candid yet kind, specific yet constructive, and empower rather than alienate. Feedback sessions often pose challenges for managers stepping into leadership roles, particularly when addressing former peers or diverse personalities.

Why Giving Effective Feedback Matters

In high-performing tech teams, continuous improvement and learning are vital. Feedback serves as a key driver for growth, skill enhancement, and aligning efforts with team objectives. However, poorly delivered feedback can cause defensiveness, erode trust, and stall development.

Adopting the Right Mindset

Before sharing observations with your team, shift your perspective from judging to partnering. Your goal is to help individuals succeed, not punish shortcomings. Embracing empathy and curiosity over criticism creates a foundation where feedback is received as guidance rather than personal attack.

Principles for Delivering Feedback That Lands

• Be timely: Address issues or commendations soon after they arise to maintain relevance and impact.
• Focus on behavior, not personality: Target actions or outcomes, avoiding personal labels or assumptions.
• Use specific examples: Rather than vague statements, reference clear instances to help recipients understand context.
• Balance positive and constructive points: Reinforce strengths while gently addressing areas for improvement.
• Invite dialogue: Encourage the recipient to share their perspective and collaborate on solutions.
• Connect feedback to outcomes: Frame critiques in relation to team goals, product impact, or customer experience.

Structuring Feedback Conversations

One effective framework managers can use is the Kind, Clear, and Actionable approach:

• Kind: Begin with affirmation or appreciation to foster receptivity.
• Clear: Be direct and unambiguous about what needs attention.
• Actionable: Identify tangible steps or behaviors the person can modify or enhance.

For example: I really appreciate how you took initiative on the last sprint. I noticed, though, that the code documentation was a bit sparse, which made onboarding new team members a challenge. Going forward, adding detailed comments will help the whole team collaborate more effectively.

Handling Feedback Up, Down, and Across

Feedback flows in multiple directions within engineering organizations:

• Upward: When offering feedback to your manager or senior leadership, focus on impact and provide suggestions respectfully. Framing it constructively can improve decision-making without creating friction.
• Downward: Delivering feedback to your direct reports should center on development opportunities, aligning their growth with team goals.
• Peer-to-peer: Encourage a culture where engineers share feedback openly. Modeling respectful and supportive communication nurtures a positive, collaborative environment.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Many managers stumble by letting emotions skew messages, being too vague, or focusing exclusively on negatives. Reflect on your delivery style:

• Do you listen actively or dominate conversations?
• Are your observations evidence-based or influenced by assumptions?
• Is your tone encouraging or confrontational?

Seek feedback on your feedback. This meta-approach can refine your skill over time.

Encouraging a Feedback-Rich Culture

Leadership sets the tone. Promote continuous feedback cycles by:

• Incorporating regular check-ins beyond formal reviews.
• Training your team on giving and receiving feedback graciously.
• Celebrating examples of feedback leading to positive change.

When feedback becomes embedded in daily interactions rather than a dreaded event, teams grow more resilient, adaptable, and aligned.

Resources to Enhance Your Feedback Techniques

• Books: Radical Candor by Kim Scott offers practical insights on thoughtful feedback.
• Courses: LinkedIn Learnings Feedback for Tech Leaders deep dives into contextualized coaching for engineers.
• Tools: Platforms like 15Five and Lattice support structured performance conversations.

Mastering the art of feedback is a journey requiring self-awareness and practice. By approaching this skill with intentionality and heart, engineering managers can inspire meaningful improvements cultivating empowered, thriving teams.