Week of September 24-30

2). Outline and discuss the guidelines for providing observer feedback to a group.

According to the text there are when you are asked to provide individual written or oral feedback the following guidelines should be observed.

1. Avoid generalization. This can include sayings such as "Well Done, Good Job etc", the more specific the feedback the better. A generalization is just a general statement.
2. Focus on behaviors that can be changed. For example you could use task oriented roles to assist the group accomplish its goals or you could use self centered roles which are concerned with individual needs.
3. Do not debate or argue with the group you are evaluating. As an observer you are to provide insight,ideas,analysis based on your observations that can be useful to the group but you are not to demand that the group accepts them.
4. Do not micromanage the group process. As an observer you may want to go over everything that you have observed but it is best that you choose specific areas and and develop them for it would be wise to go over two to three items than go over every single detail.
5. Remember your role. An evaluator should function as a facilitator and developer.
6. Accentuate the positive aspects. Always start with with the positive and and try to spend the most of the time finding things the group did right. For example coaches every sport do this at the conclusion of their events whether they win or lose. They focus on the things things they did well and go over them.
7. End with specific suggestions for improvement. For example coaches do this as well whether they win or lost. They will point out the things they did not do so well and go over them in hopes of improvement next time.
8. Be clear and concise if you present your ideas orally or in writing. For example when I used to give Marines instructions on what I needed them to do, I had to clear on what it was I exactly wanted. If I needed something at 12pm and not 1201 or 1159, it also helps eliminate confusion.
9. Compliment in public and criticize in private. For example there were many times in the Marines that I had to do both. I would compliment the platoon on doing a good job but if someone was not pulling their weight, I made sure not to single a person out, instead I would talk them in private in hopes of correcting the matter.
10. In an organizational setting, developing positive relationships during the feedback process will repay itself in time and again.  Your job is to help the group or team develop and improve.