Everyone benefits from feedback, but few people find it easy to give or receive. To get the most from feedback, it helps to think of it as a gift. Offer it to someone if you think they’ll find it useful and receive it gracefully, knowing that it’s been given with the best intentions. However, be aware that some gifts are entirely useless! Ideally, feedback should be given soon after whatever gave rise to it. When providing these observations, remember that you’re delivering 'NEWS’ to someone, and they may or may not be receptive to it. Use the approach below to help stay objective and ensure that the feedback’s seen as constructive.

NOTICE
Describe what you observed them doing or saying. Don’t make any assumptions about their underlying thoughts or motives and avoid being judgmental. Just stick to the facts. Report that 'You described her idea as naive and laughable’ rather than speculating that 'You tried to make a fool of her because she irritated you.’
 
EFFECT
Explain the impact you know, or believe, this had on the people who actually heard it or were told about it. For example, 'She looked at her feet after that, so I believe she was upset.’
 
WAIT
At this point, give the person time to take in what you’ve said and a chance to reflect. They will usually say something, and if so, listen to them actively.
 
SUGGEST
Finally, ask what they might do should a similar situation arise in future. If you agree with their ideas, tell them so. If you have additional thoughts, share them.