If you are involved in working with freelancers, you have probably wondered what the best way to handle feedback is. We must recognize that providing constructive feedback to freelancers, whether during a project or once it has concluded, is an essential part of the process.
Why exactly is this so crucial?
Constructive feedback not only improves performance and the quality of work but can also strengthen the working relationship and show respect for the freelancer’s time and efforts.
In this article, we will thoroughly discuss why it is crucial to provide constructive feedback during and after a project.You will learn about the benefits for both parties and how this simple act can greatly boost your business.
To better understand the meaning of constructive feedback, think about the process of learning a new skill.
Surely, it would be much harder and take a lot more time if no one guided you or gave you useful advice, right? This is the essence of constructive feedback.
In the workplace, constructive feedback is used to improve skills, increase productivity, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
It is a two-way and honest communication between the employer and the freelancer, where observations, recommendations, and constructive criticism are shared with the aim of improving and growing professionally.
Negative feedback is necessary, but it should be presented in a way that doesn’t cause stress or a defensive reaction.
According to Ed Batista, executive coach and collaborator at Stanford Graduate School of Business, it is crucial to minimize stress when giving negative feedback. And Francesca Gino, a researcher of human behavior at Harvard, found that people prefer to receive feedback from those who think highly of them.
When providing constructive feedback, you should show genuine interest in helping the freelancer grow professionally, making sure to balance criticisms with positive and encouraging comments.
In an increasingly digital and decentralized world, freelance work is gaining ground. Projects are executed through screens and across miles, making effective communication an essential skill.
One of the most vital aspects of this communication is constructive feedback.But how can it be provided adequately to enhance the performance of freelancers?
Let’s start to unravel this art…
Consider these key advantages when incorporating constructive feedback into your project strategy. Make sure to implement these if you aren’t using them already.
Remember, providing constructive feedback is an art that must be mastered for the better functioning of your company and the relationship with your freelancers.
Constructive feedback to freelancers is an essential skill that all project managers need to develop.Let’s see together how we can approach this step by step:
Step 1: Encourage Clear Communication
Start by being clear about your project requirements from the beginning. Share your expectations and vision with the freelancer to ensure you are on the same page.This will prevent potential misunderstandings and could very well be the key to a good start.
Step 2: Schedule Feedback Meetings
Hold regular meetings to discuss the project’s progress.In these meetings, you can openly share your opinions about the work done and exchange ideas with the freelancer. These meetings facilitate communication and provide valuable direct feedback.
Step 3: Master the Art of Feedback
Sometimes, you need to be careful with your words. When giving feedback, it’s important to be honest and assertive, but also kind and respectful.Constructive criticism, not destructive. This will demonstrate professionalism and maintain a good working relationship.
Step 4: Address Concerns
Freelancers might doubt the objectivity of your feedback.It is your responsibility to ensure that your feedback is designed to help them grow professionally and improve their performance.
Step 5: Use Project Management Tools
To streamline communication and collaboration, consider using project management tools.These tools can help everyone stay on the same page and ensure that no important comments or feedback are missed.
Let’s take the freelance work platform, Workana, as an example. According to the data, an average of seventy to ninety messages are exchanged per project between the client and freelancer.
A particular project was experiencing difficulties due to a lack of clear direction and the client’s dissatisfaction with the deliverables.
The project leader decided to step in and provide constructive feedback to the freelancer. They employed the tactic of gathering informal opinions throughout the project rather than waiting until the formal feedback meeting at the end.
This change allowed the freelancer to adjust their approach and improve their work in real-time.
Additionally, they decided to use a video call. This ensured effective communication, allowing for a better understanding of the areas that needed improvement.
Synchronization and visual communication played a crucial role in handling the criticism. The freelancer appreciated the effort and the opportunity to improve their work.
Feedback was not only critical but also balanced with positive comments. A good leader understands that positive feedback is essential for negative feedback to be received effectively.
As a result of this constructive feedback, the project was redirected, the freelancer felt more motivated and committed, and the client was satisfied with the final product.
This case study highlights the transformative power of constructive feedback in project management and the personal growth of a freelancer.
Constructive feedback enhances the success of a project by continuously improving the skills, capabilities, and effectiveness of freelancers.
By providing clear guidance on what aspects are working well and which need improvement, freelancers can refine their work and overcome challenges.
Additionally, it promotes transparency and collaboration, as well as motivation and commitment to the project.
All this leads to higher quality work, which ultimately increases the chances of the project’s success.
Providing constructive feedback to freelancers is crucial throughout the entire project process.
However, the most opportune moments are usually after the completion of each predefined milestone, to ensure that the work meets your expectations and to correct any deviations in a timely manner.
Additionally, a formal feedback meeting at the conclusion of the project is essential to review overall performance, highlight achievements, and discuss areas for improvement in future work.
It is possible that they may not fully understand your expectations. This could also result in decreased work performance, as the freelancer might not be sure which areas need improvement.
Additionally, the lack of communication can lead to mutual frustrations and misunderstandings, which can impact the final quality of the project and the long-term working relationship.
Moreover, without regular feedback, the freelancer might feel isolated or undervalued, which could affect their commitment and motivation.
Lastly, by not providing feedback, you could be missing a valuable opportunity to foster the growth and professional development of the freelancer, which could ultimately have a positive impact on your business.
Providing constructive feedback to freelancers throughout a project is a fundamental practice that should not be underestimated.
Doing it consistently and effectively can bring enormous benefits in both the short and long term.
By providing immediate and direct feedback, you can enhance professional development and maintain a high level of project quality.
Remember, as you evaluate the key points after each meeting and gather informal feedback throughout the project, it’s essential to maintain a balance between assertive praise and constructive criticism.
Raise your voice to encourage your team members to get up after setbacks and to foster a culture of continuous improvement!
Constructive feedback also involves being prepared to receive positive comments and being willing to improve.
Therefore, it is advisable to use communication tools such as video calls when giving critical feedback to ensure that your message is interpreted correctly.
In this way, the practice of providing constructive feedback to freelancers emerges as a dynamic of mutual growth, where both the project manager and the freelancer work together to improve and achieve the success of the project.
