Effective leadership is built upon a combination of competency and character, with character the higher priority. Without strong, positive character traits, competencies can seem hollow to those that are called to follow. This is especially true for providing feedback. Character opens the door for providing competent feedback.

It is easy to learn the basic elements of feedback and to develop the skill to deliver these elements. Feedback identifies specific action or behavior. Feedback describes the impact of the action or behavior. Feedback requests more of, less of, or continuation of the action or behavior. Anyone that is seeking to lead others can learn these three elements and then develop the habit of watching for behavior, either positive or negative, and providing feedback using the three elements.

The problem with providing feedback that is built upon competency alone is that it often falls flat for the recipient. The old saying that “talk is cheap” applies here. Feedback is only truly effective when it is provided within a relationship and delivered from a caring heart. Effective feedback is motivated by a desire to build into the future of the organization and into the future of the individual. Without the character required, the feedback recipient will quickly feel that your feedback is just an effort to click the box or achieve self-centered goals.

On the other hand, providing feedback that is backed by character becomes evident to the recipient that the leader truly cares about the person and is seeking the recipient’s growth and success. Character provides a relational foundation for discussion and understanding so that the feedback is clearly comprehended, accepted, and implemented. Feedback that is backed by character is valued by the recipient whereas feedback without the character-based relationship is often either resented or ignored.

When we speak of the character that supports effective feedback, the traits that we should seek to build into our lives might include the following:

• Caring, thoughtful, courteous, kind
• Candid
• Commitment to doing what is right or necessary
• Faith in others
• Forward-thinking
• Goal-oriented, growth-oriented
• Humble
• Observant
• Optimistic, positive
• Respectful
• Results-oriented
• Sensitive
• Sincere

Before a leader can be truly effective in building team members and providing effective feedback, they must be sure that they have and are consistently developing these character traits. With such character, development of a positive relationship is a natural consequence. With a strong and positive relationship, team members seek feedback driven by a desire to perform up to the standards expected by the leader.

Have you developed the character traits that open the door to providing effective feedback?