Giving and Receiving Feedback in a Diverse Environment from Coursera

This course is the second of a series that will enable you to become an effective leader and advocate, both within and outside your organization, on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion. In this course, you’ll explore various approaches to giving feedback and receiving feedback. Whether you are giving feedback about a colleague’s work performance or receiving feedback from your friends, this learning journey will help you hone your skills and practice the most effective ways to handle these often difficult conversations. You’ll learn by playing games (realistic simulations) in which animated characters challenge you to understand their perspectives and interests.

The simulations cover a wide range of situations in which issues related to giving and receiving feedback may arise, providing a safe space to practice difficult conversations and explore diverging perspectives.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Initiate conversations to give feedback when needed

• Communicate gaps between expectations and behavior

• Propose paths forward to improve performance and relationships

• Ask for feedback when you may not have met expectations

• Explore ways to improve performance and relationships

• Correct mischaracterizations of behavior or performance

• Manage emotions and avoid unnecessary conflict

The intended audience for this course is leaders, managers, team leads, team members, HR professionals, and others who interact in a team environment. The prerequisites for this course include experience interacting in a team environment, and any relevant experience either giving or receiving feedback to or from others.

What's inside

Syllabus

Giving Feedback In The Workplace

This module explores techniques to initiate and engage in feedback conversations in a diverse workplace. Guided by a four-step framework, in this module you’ll learn how to clarify expectations, share factual observations about behavior, identify gaps between expectations and behavior, and suggest a path forward. You'll learn by playing games (realistic simulations) in which animated characters challenge you to understand their perspectives and interests.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Uses realistic simulations and games, providing a safe space to practice difficult conversations and explore diverging perspectives, which is useful for leaders and HR professionals

Explores techniques to initiate and engage in feedback conversations in a diverse workplace, which is highly relevant for HR professionals and team leaders

Examines methods to give feedback to friends in a diverse environment, which can strengthen relationships and improve communication skills in personal and professional settings

Addresses ways to solicit feedback and collaborate, both inside and outside the workplace, which is useful for team members and managers seeking to improve performance

Requires experience interacting in a team environment, suggesting that learners without prior team experience may find the course challenging

Is the second course in a series, suggesting that learners may benefit from taking the other courses to gain a more comprehensive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion

Reviews summary

Giving and receiving feedback in diverse settings

According to learners, this course offers a practical approach to giving and receiving feedback, emphasizing skills particularly relevant in a diverse environment. A core feature highlighted is the use of interactive simulations, providing a safe space to practice difficult conversations. The course structure, including a step-by-step framework, is seen as useful for structuring feedback discussions in both workplace and personal contexts. While the simulations are a unique learning method, some reviewers may find the animated characters or the realism a potential warning.

Quality and realism of simulations vary.

"Some scenarios felt very realistic and helpful."

"I found the animated characters a bit distracting at times."

"While helpful, I wished the simulations were a little more complex."

Relevant for work and personal situations.

"It was useful to see how the principles apply beyond just the workplace."

"Learning about giving feedback to friends was a valuable addition."

"The course covers scenarios applicable to various relationships."

Addresses feedback across diverse settings.

"The focus on diversity added an important layer to the feedback process."

"Understanding different perspectives in feedback was very helpful."

"The course acknowledges the complexities of feedback in diverse teams."

Provides a clear, actionable feedback model.

"The four-step framework is easy to understand and apply immediately."

"I now have a structured way to prepare for feedback conversations."

"This simple model helped clarify how to address gaps constructively."

Offers safe practice for difficult talks.

"The simulations were a great way to practice giving feedback without real-world pressure."

"I appreciated the safe environment to try out different approaches in the scenarios."

"The interactive format made learning more engaging than just reading about concepts."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Giving and Receiving Feedback in a Diverse Environment with these activities:

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

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Learn techniques for handling high-stakes conversations to improve feedback delivery and reception.

View Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When... on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction and first three chapters.
Identify three key concepts applicable to feedback scenarios.
Reflect on how these concepts can improve your communication.

Review Active Listening Techniques

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Strengthen your active listening skills to better understand perspectives during feedback conversations.

Browse courses on Active Listening

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Research active listening techniques online.
Identify three techniques you want to practice.
Practice these techniques in everyday conversations.

Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most

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Explore strategies for managing emotions and navigating difficult conversations related to feedback.

View Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What... on Amazon

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Read the first half of the book.
Identify three strategies for managing emotions.
Apply these strategies in a real-life conversation.

Four other activities

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Practice Giving and Receiving Feedback with a Partner

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Simulate feedback scenarios with a partner to practice applying the course's concepts.

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Find a partner willing to practice feedback scenarios.
Prepare a scenario where feedback is needed.
Role-play giving and receiving feedback.
Provide constructive criticism to each other.

Create a Feedback Scenario Video

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Develop a video demonstrating effective feedback techniques in a diverse environment.

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Brainstorm a realistic feedback scenario.
Write a script showcasing effective communication.
Record and edit the video.
Share the video with peers for feedback.

Implement a Feedback System in Your Team

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Design and implement a structured feedback system within your team or organization.

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Assess the current feedback practices.
Design a feedback system based on course principles.
Pilot the system with a small group.
Gather feedback and refine the system.
Roll out the system to the entire team.

Mentor Junior Colleagues on Feedback Skills

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Share your knowledge and skills by mentoring junior colleagues on giving and receiving feedback.

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Identify junior colleagues who need help with feedback.
Offer to mentor them on feedback skills.
Provide guidance and support during feedback scenarios.
Share your experiences and insights.

Career center

Learners who complete Giving and Receiving Feedback in a Diverse Environment will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Diversity and Inclusion Officer

A Diversity and Inclusion Officer works to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization. In doing so, they often give feedback, both formally and informally, to individuals and groups regarding their behavior as well as receiving feedback from others. The course content directly addresses core competencies needed for this position, such as initiating conversations about feedback, managing emotions, and avoiding conflicts. The simulations in this course provide a safe space to explore diverging perspectives, which is crucial for a Diversity and Inclusion Officer. This course is essential for someone looking to become a Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

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Team Lead

A Team Lead is often tasked with mentoring and guiding their team members, which includes giving constructive feedback to improve performance as well as receiving feedback from team members to improve team dynamics. A course focused on giving and receiving feedback in diverse environments is highly relevant for this role, as a team lead needs to be very proficient at communicating gaps between expectations and behavior and managing emotions to avoid unnecessary conflict. The course's simulations are particularly helpful, as they allow someone to practice these skills in a simulated environment. A future team lead will benefit from the course's focus on building communication and conflict resolution skills.

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Human Resources Specialist

A Human Resources Specialist is responsible for various tasks such as employee relations, conflict resolution, and performance management. This role requires skill in both giving and receiving feedback, especially when addressing performance gaps or mediating workplace disagreements. This course helps to develop communication skills, particularly in initiating conversations to give feedback, communicating gaps between expectations and behavior, and proposing paths forward to improve performance, aligning directly with the responsibilities of a Human Resources Specialist. The simulations in the course allow one to practice these skills in a safe environment. Taking this course will ensure you are prepared to handle sensitive feedback scenarios in the workplace.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee various projects, and this requires collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders which frequently necessitates giving and receiving feedback to maintain the project's trajectory. This course, focusing on the nuances of feedback within a diverse environment, is directly applicable to the project management realm because it provides a framework for managing expectations, behavior, and performance. The course's emphasis on initiating feedback, proposing solutions, and exploring improvements are all skills that a good project manager must possess. Such a manager is responsible for ensuring that project team dynamics are effective by giving and receiving feedback.

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Employee Relations Manager

An Employee Relations Manager is responsible for managing workplace disputes and ensuring positive employee relations, which involves giving and receiving feedback in diverse situations. This course assists in building the skill set necessary for this role because it teaches how to communicate gaps between expectations and behavior, propose pathways for improvement and manage emotions during sensitive conversations. The course simulations, especially those involving navigating differing perspectives, help prepare those who want to become Employee Relations Managers for difficult conversations. The course will be helpful for a future Employee Relations Manager.

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Training Facilitator

A Training Facilitator is responsible for delivering training programs and workshops, often in professional development or diversity and inclusion. Much of the role involves giving feedback to participants about their performance and understanding their perspectives. The course modules on giving feedback in the workplace and to friends directly apply to the role of a Training Facilitator. The course simulations that involve navigating diverse perspectives and interests further prepare individuals to handle difficult conversations and feedback scenarios. Any prospective training facilitator should take this course to hone one's skills in giving and receiving feedback.

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Academic Advisor

An Academic Advisor provides guidance to students on their academic progress, including giving feedback regarding their performance and receiving feedback from students about the advising process. The course in giving and receiving feedback will be helpful to a future advisor because it outlines a method of clarifying expectations, sharing observations about performance and suggesting improvements. The simulation exercises are particularly relevant to one working with students. This course is very relevant to an Academic Advisor.

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Organizational Development Specialist

An Organizational Development Specialist focuses on improving the effectiveness of an organization, which frequently necessitates giving feedback to teams and individuals and receiving feedback about the organization as a whole. This course will be an advantage for someone who is looking to become an Organizational Development Specialist because the course teaches techniques for communicating gaps in behavior, proposing improvement pathways and managing the emotional aspects of difficult conversations. The course’s emphasis on building feedback skills in diverse settings aligns with the needs of this role. The course will be useful.

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Executive Coach

An Executive Coach works with leaders to improve their performance and effectiveness, often through giving feedback and helping clients navigate feedback they receive. This course can help an Executive Coach by providing tools to communicate gaps between expectations and behavior, propose ways to improve performance and to manage challenging conversations. The course simulations provide an opportunity to practice these skills in a controlled setting. A future Executive Coach may find this course beneficial due to the skills taught.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant provides advice and solutions to organizations, often requiring the consultant to communicate complex ideas and occasionally to provide challenging feedback to clients. This course will be valuable in developing effective communication techniques when giving feedback on performance, suggesting improvement strategies and receiving feedback from clients regarding the services provided. The course's framework on clarifying expectations, sharing factual observations, and proposing solutions are all essential skills that help a management consultant succeed. The course's realistic simulations are particularly helpful in preparing for these situations in a professional setting. This course can be beneficial for a management consultant.

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Community Outreach Coordinator

A Community Outreach Coordinator engages with diverse community groups and stakeholders, often requiring the ability to give feedback to community partners and receive feedback from community members. This course will be particularly useful for a Community Outreach Coordinator because it focuses on building the skills of initiating conversations, communicating gaps between expectations and behavior and managing difficult conversations. The simulations provided in the course offer real-world practice for a Community Outreach Coordinator. This course will help a Community Outreach Coordinator.

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Mentor

A Mentor guides and supports a less experienced person, which often involves giving constructive feedback and helping the mentee navigate feedback they receive. The course, with its emphasis on initiating feedback conversations, communicating gaps in expectations, and managing emotions, provides a strong foundation for a mentor. The simulations in this course will provide a mentor valuable practice. This course could be helpful for anyone looking to mentor.

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Conflict Mediator

A Conflict Mediator facilitates conversations between conflicting parties to reach a resolution, requiring expert skills in both giving and receiving feedback across diverse perspectives. This course, with its emphasis on managing emotions, avoiding unnecessary conflict, and exploring ways to improve relationships, is essential preparation for a career as a Conflict Mediator. Being able to correct mischaracterizations and propose paths forward as outlined in this course is useful. The practice in the course's simulations are helpful in developing the skills needed to mediate discussions effectively. This course may be useful for someone starting as a Conflict Mediator.

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Social Worker

A Social Worker often works with diverse populations, requiring the ability to give feedback to clients and receive feedback from clients and other professionals. This course may be helpful because it focuses on initiating conversations, communicating gaps between expectations and behavior and proposing ways to improve relationships particularly in diverse settings. The simulations in the course provide a safe space to practice difficult conversations. A Social Worker can benefit from the course's tools and techniques.

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Public Relations Specialist

A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image of an organization, which involves giving and receiving feedback from various stakeholders, including the media and the public. This course provides skills helpful to a Public Relations Specialist, including the ability to initiate conversations to give feedback, manage emotions and avoid unnecessary conflict. The simulations in the course which explore differing perspectives may also be beneficial. A future Public Relations Specialist may find this course helpful.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Giving and Receiving Feedback in a Diverse Environment.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When...

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Provides a framework for handling difficult conversations effectively, which is directly relevant to the course's focus on giving and receiving feedback. It offers practical tools and strategies for navigating high-stakes discussions, managing emotions, and achieving positive outcomes. The book's emphasis on creating a safe space for dialogue aligns with the course's goal of fostering open communication in diverse environments. It commonly used reference for professionals.

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When...

Paperback

Crucial Conversations (Third Edition): Tools for...

Audible Audiobook

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When...

Kindle Edition

Difficult Conversations

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Offers a comprehensive guide to navigating difficult conversations, providing a framework for understanding the underlying dynamics and emotions involved. It helps readers identify their own assumptions and biases, and develop strategies for communicating effectively and respectfully. The book's focus on understanding different perspectives and managing emotions is highly relevant to the course's objectives. It valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their communication skills in challenging situations.

Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What...

Paperback

Giving and Receiving Feedback in a Diverse Environment

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Giving and receiving feedback in diverse settings

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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