Giving Direct Feedback

So often I simply said and still say, "Good job."  Not a bad phrase, better than nothing at all, I suppose.  The problem is, it just isn't very helpful.  And it especially isn't very helpful when someone is trying to acquire a new skill.  

Being in the business of education, be it teaching, training, correcting or rebuking, offering direct feedback is critical to support growth.  Think about it for a moment.  Getting a red checkmark on my already confusing algebra problem simply let me know I did something wrong.  Chalk that one up to another dumb Lisa moment.  Hurry, cover it before someone else sees and laughs at me.  

But what if I knew that red checkmark actually indicated that someone was going to come alongside me.  Someone was going to point out the places or steps that I got correct, hopefully, because I understood, and then guide me through the places I didn't understand or miscalculated.  

Take time this week to check your feedback, both giving and receiving.  If it is offered with grace and illuminates truth, growth will happen.