How to give good feedback
Giving feedback is one of the most valuable things you can do for a colleague. Done well, it helps people grow, builds trust, and makes the whole team stronger. It can feel uncomfortable, but an honest and empathetic approach makes it easier for both sides.
Before you write
Any feedback that is sensitive or potentially difficult should not appear in the performance review for the first time. If you have a concern about a colleague, speak to them directly or raise it with their manager before the review cycle. A peer review is not the right place for surprises.
Only write about your own, direct experience of working with this person. If you did not see it yourself, leave it out.
How to write it well
Be specific. Describe actual behaviours and actions, not general impressions. If you cannot think of a concrete example to support a point, remove the point.
Focus on impact. Frame feedback in terms of what you observed and how it affected the team, project, or outcome. Avoid personal judgments or traits unrelated to work.
Be constructive. Good feedback does two things: it reinforces what is working, and it identifies what could be better. For any development area, try to suggest a practical way forward.
Stay professional. Keep the tone measured and objective. Feedback is personal by nature, so use clear, non-judgemental language and resist the urge to over-criticise.
Confidentiality
Peer feedback is anonymous in Bob.
You have the option to share the peer review directly with the individual when you submit it.
If you choose not to share directly, the manager will share at the time of review, so that the individual gets to see their full 360 review in one go ahead of the performance meeting.
[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZixoAyOeMoPvPVyQrWYcqWqkNX_WuQInUPCaJYUCrfY/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ZixoAyOeMoPvPVyQrWYcqWqkNX_WuQInUPCaJYUCrfY/preview?usp=sharing)
[https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EvXKOn41Z_XacSW8ZSGK4FchMwyknfGa3sNsjKv06zc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1EvXKOn41Z_XacSW8ZSGK4FchMwyknfGa3sNsjKv06zc/preview?usp=sharing)