The Seven Basic Components of Every Feedback Experience

Explore the essential components of critique.

If you think about it, feedback defines so many of our interactions. Not just with students but also with friends, family and our team members.

We are either receiving feedback or in a position to share it. There are not too many occasions when we don’t experience feedback in some form. I bet at some point today; you experience feedback.

It is a fundamental component of human interaction and a vital communication dynamic. Feedback is a glue that binds and potentially strengthens relationships. We might also say feedback is an idea propellant that drives us to succeed.

In this opening issue of the month, we explore the essential components of critique. We turn our attention to the small details in any feedback dynamic.

Let’s start with how to put your socks on

The story of John Wooden is a powerful reminder about focusing on the basics.

In the first UCLA training session, Coach Wooden would teach his university basketball team how to put on their socks and shoes.

It didn’t matter if the player was a freshman or a senior. Everyone needed to know how to do this essential task correctly. The reaction from players was, “Why are you wasting our time? We know how to put on socks and shoes.”

But as the players soon realised, this wasn’t just about putting on socks and shoes. It was about the importance of paying attention to the small details.

If there are wrinkles in your socks or your shoes aren’t tied properly, you will develop blisters. With blisters, you’ll miss practice. If you miss practice, you don’t play. And if you don’t play, we cannot win. If you want to win championships, you must take care of the smallest of details.

~ John Wooden

The underlying message was that the team needed to focus on the basics and not get distracted by more complicated matters. The little things that might seem unimportant can make a big difference in the outcome.

We can take a similar approach when we think about improving feedback and building a…