Feedback Bombs occur when you are provided with feedback that is completely out of the blue, often leaving you surprised – sometimes shocked. There is no warning, and no chance to discuss further. Often when the feedback is delivered, the person offering the feedback disappears!
The feedback is completely unexpected and arrives without warning.
The feedback is very different to your perceived reality.
The feedback contradicts the previous feedback that has been offered to you recently (possibly by the same person).
The feedback is short, often sharp, and dropped with no opportunity to discuss, seek clarification, or ask questions.
The feedback is offered by someone who doesn’t have the bigger picture / context in mind.
The feedback is anonymous, leaving you with no chance for further discussion or clarification.
The feedback is about something outside of the person’s feedback ‘scope’.
The feedback is offered to you without your permission, (and you certainly didn’t request it).
The feedback is offered by someone unqualified to comment.
The feedback is about something over which you have zero control or influence.
The feedback is offered by someone who you do not have a relationship with.
The person offering the feedback has not made their intentions clear, meaning you are left wondering why they offered you the feedback.
Chances are you have experienced being feedback ‘bombed’. Common emotions experienced following a feedback bombing are surprise, shock and confusion. Give yourself time to process the information, and, if possible, ask for a time to discuss further if you think it will be useful. A simple, default response to a feedback bomb is, ‘Thanks for the feedback, I’ll think it over’. That way you are being professional and giving yourself permission to think it over for 0.1 of a second and dis-regard, or longer, and follow up, act or implement.
I want to offer useful feedback, but I don’t have time for big, long feedback conversations…
Yes, everyone is busy, and sometimes you might think it is quicker to provide the feedback in a ‘drive-by feedback’ way, e.g. when crossing paths at the office or via a short text message. If you and the recipient have had a (Warm up) conversation about this and have both agreed that sometimes your ‘quick’ feedback might be delivered, then this is perfect. It’s when this conversation hasn’t occurred that can cost you both time.
Always have a Warm Up conversation about the different ways you will be offering feedback with the recipient. Ideally this would occur when you first start working together. That way you can both agree, understand and be prepared for super quick, in-the-moment feedback, and know it is offered with an opportunity to discuss later if needed. This is especially important when people request, ‘In-the-moment’ feedback from you. Use the motto, ‘No surprises’ when it comes to offering your feedback.