Constructive feedback can benefit both parties, the person offering the feedback, as well as the person receiving the feedback, in several ways. No matter the situation, we all can benefit from proper constructive feedback, in one way or another. As with any act, there is a right way and a wrong way to deliver constructive feedback, and if delivered correctly, it should always prove extremely helpful.
The benefits of constructive feedback for the person offering the feedback are
1) Opening up a line of communication, - When one person offers constructive feedback to another person correctly, (s) he opens an ongoing line of communication becoming a source of answers and guidance for the person receiving the feedback.
2) Offering insight and knowledge, - When a person offers constructive feedback to someone, it gives them the opportunity to share their acquired knowledge in order to help someone other than themselves.
3) Establishes a positive position or willingness to help, - When a person offers their insight to another person, and it is delivered correctly, it will, in turn, demonstrate that the person is thoughtful and willing to be helpful to others, whether they be peers or employees.
If you are now, or ever, in the position to offer constructive feedback to a peer or employee, take full advantage of the opportunity; however, you must proceed with caution, as most people may easily mistake your feedback as personal criticism. When offering constructive feedback, be sure to find the right timing, for example, in front of everyone in the break room would not be an appropriate time to offer feedback. You also want to make sure to be very respectful in action and tone of voice. I recommend using the Build-Break-Build technique. For example, in a supervisor position it would go something like this, "Hi John, do you mind if I talk to you for a second? First of all, you are doing a great job and putting forth an awesome amount of effort and I'd like to thank you for that. Aside from that, I noticed a very small and fixable mistake in your last article and just wanted to offer some constructive feedback. In the article, you spoke from a first person point of view, and offered some absolutely great content, but the article called for a third person point of view. It's a spectacular article, but I need you to go back and write it from an outside looking in experience. You don't need to do too much, just change all the I's to he's. Other than that, it was a great article and I can't wait to read it again. Thank you again for your enlightened contribution." Constructive feedback delivered in this manner will benefit both parties.
The benefits of constructive feedback for the person receiving the feedback are
1) Being informed of a mistake, - When a person is offered constructive feedback, it normally informs them of a mistake they have made, that they may not have known about or accidentally overlooked. It also gives them the opportunity to recognize the same, or similar, mistakes in previous and future works alike.
2) Receiving guidance, - When a person is offered constructive feedback, in spite of the mistake made, they will receive guidance in making the proper corrections or taking the appropriate actions in the appropriate manner.
3) Making improvements, - After a person has received constructive feedback, they will know how to proceed and make the necessary corrections to become better than they were previously at their work.
If you are now, or ever, in a position to receive constructive feedback, take advantage and milk the person offering the feedback for as much information as possible. Never take the feedback as personal criticism and be open and willing to listen to all of the feedback. Remember, you don't have to take and apply every single word, however, it will benefit you the most to listen with an open mind and take notes on those things that you can do to make improvements. In conclusion, constructive feedback has many benefits for both parties, and each party should respectfully look at it as an immediate opportunity to learn and grow.