It can be difficult to be in a spot where you are appointed to give awkward feedback to a colleague who is also a close friend. From bad breath, to plagiarism in work, any negative feedback will always evoke an unpleasant first reaction. And you need more caution when the other person is a good friend.
When you are giving sensitive feedback, no matter how much you try to position yourself as an advocate, people tend to become defensive. So, how does one go about this tricky business.
Give the friend a moment to brace themselves before you give the feedback. This time will allow them to be prepared for logical thinking. This time will mean the difference between a ‘response’ and a ‘reaction’.
Initiate by giving a personal account or experience. This allows them to know that you understand, and they won’t start thinking that they are the odd one to make a mistake. Empathy can be the biggest winner and maintain a healthy friendship even after the awkward conversation.
Offering a solution as part of the feedback can also be a saviour. If you are talking to a friend about bad breath, offering a pack of mints can show that you mean well, and lend credibility to your criticism.
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