Will your feedback really help?

When I was younger, I thought giving critical feedback was adding value. That being able to analyze a situation, see where the problems were and articulate how things could be improved would help make things better.

Here’s what I know now: most of the time back then, I was right.

But it didn’t matter. Being right didn’t add value. It didn’t inspire change. It didn’t energize.

“Criticism constrains, it cuts off possibilities. Whereas compliments, encouragement, and even questions expand possibilities. They open you up.” – Jocelyn K. Glei

Now I know that being encouraging, listening longer, and asking more questions is almost always better. That in doing these things, not offering critical feedback, we actually help people grow and change.

Asking myself, “What am I hoping to achieve by saying this?” helps guide me away from trying to be right to the better choice of trying to be helpful.

Amy Varga

President

Amy Varga is a beloved fundraising trainer, coach and consultant. She and her team at The Varga Group have guided over a hundred nonprofit clients to raise millions of dollars through their services in capital campaign counsel, major gifts training, leadership coaching, and board development projects.

Amy Varga

President

Amy Varga is a beloved fundraising trainer, coach and consultant. She and her team at The Varga Group have guided over a hundred nonprofit clients to raise millions of dollars through their services in capital campaign counsel, major gifts training, leadership coaching, and board development projects.