How would you support a teacher who becomes defensive when you give critical feedback?

Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you provide criticism.

• Don’t Forget to Praise.
• Do Emphasize Your Intention to Be Helpful.
• Don’t Criticize Reactions.
• Do React With Understanding and Compassion.
• Don’t Escalate the Situation.
• Do Be Open to a Conversation.
• Don’t Criticize in Public.
• Do Pay Attention to Time and Place.

Is it okay to get defensive about constructive criticism?

People who can take constructive criticism are able to make positive changes. That means they can start performing at a higher level. If you tend to get defensive when receiving feedback, you probably won’t grow in the same way as those who can hear critical feedback objectively. It’s a skill you can work on.

What do you say to someone who is defensive?

3 ways to start a conversation with a defensive person: “You might say, for example, ‘I want to talk to you about what happened yesterday. And I want you to know that I’m not attacking you, and I don’t want you to feel defensive. I just want to tell you how I felt or what I think occurred,’” says Roberts.

How can you give constructive feedback without making the recipient feel defensive?

Giving Feedback Without Making People Defensive

1. Approach the conversation open to changing your mind.
2. Jointly design the conversation.
3. Jointly design the order of the feedback.
4. Give people the headlines – don’t make them guess.
5. Ask about your own contribution – before they raise it.

How do I give feedback to defensiveness?

How to Give Feedback about Defensiveness

1. Name the defensiveness and its impact.
2. Get curious about the defensiveness.
3. Offer some reassurance, if genuine.
4. Describe what you need going forward.

What mindset does not get defensive over feedback?

Adopt the SAIG mindset can be difficult to receive feedback without getting defensive. Our brains treat criticism, even constructive criticism, as a threat to our self-esteem. The SAIG mindset helps me to stay positive, so I can make the most out of constructive feedback.

How do you respond to defensiveness?

Here are several steps that can help you become more emotionally intelligent when dealing with defensive people:

1. Refrain from reacting defensively.
2. Shift your focus to the other person.
3. Ask questions until you understand them.
4. Move toward a resolution.

What are defensive behaviors?

Defensive behaviors are a group of evolved responses to threat. They include flight, freezing, defensive threat, defensive attack, and risk assessment. The type of defensive behavior elicited in a particular situation depends on features of both the threat and the situation.