Input vs. Feedback
Words are their own form of magic.
You put letters together to form very precise meanings and people actually understand what you’re trying to transmit! Or, do they?
Sometimes, we think we’re being crystal clear in sending a message, but the folks receiving the message don’t get it.
Ever call out words “Dinner’s ready!” and have your kids balk at what you’re plating up? You look up at them and down at the food on the table and utter the dangerous words, “What do you think?”
They take one look and the negotiations begin.
“Do we have to have that?”
“But, I don’t like that!”
“Can’t we have this?”
Um. No. This decision has been made – I said “ready” because I’m done preparing it. There will be no changes in the menu. Cue, annoyance.
The same is true at work. You announce to your team, “This is our way forward. What do you think?” And the negotiations begin.
“Have you considered doing that instead?”
“Are you sure? This seems like a very risky choice.”
“I’m not sure this is feasible.”
Um. No. This decision has been made – I’m telling you what leadership decided. There will be no change in direction. Cue, annoyance.
We throw out the words, “What do you think?” without telling people how we want them to respond.
So, what do we do? We create clarity.
How do we do that? By using our words intentionally.
Instead of just saying, “What do you think?” We have to ask for what we want: input or feedback.
What’s the difference? Here we go.
INPUT is requested when we’re gathering data in order to MAKE a decision. There is an opportunity to shape the direction in which we go forward. This sounds like:
“I’m making a list for the store. What should we have for dinner this week?” Or,
“We have a leadership team meeting this afternoon. What suggestions should I bring about how we should tackle this issue?”
In both of these cases, you’re letting the audience know that they get to influence the decision.
FEEDBACK is requested when a decision has been MADE and you want to address concerns about making it work. This sounds like:
“On Monday, we’re having broccoli. Are you going to want cheese or a dip?” Or,
“We’ve decided to go forward with the project proposal. What challenges will you face in getting it done?”
In both of these cases, the audience doesn’t get to choose what’s happening, but they may be able to modify the environment around them. They get to request support in making the decision (or the vegetable) more palatable.
Letting your audience know if you’re asking for their input or their feedback – and let’s face it, teaching them the difference – will help everyone get clarity on how you will use the information you gather. Cue, teamwork.
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