We provided tips on preventing work from getting caught in a feedback hell loop in a previous blog. However, we’ve never looked at another piece of the puzzle: how to provide thoughtful feedback if you’re asked to review a pitch, a spreadsheet, a presentation deck, a blog, and more. Here are five tips for providing feedback that helps rather than hinders.

1. Read and Review the Entire Work First: One of the worst ways to give feedback is to start editing work line-by-line before you’ve read the entire thing. The best way to review work is to first read it thoroughly. If it’s a press release, op-ed, blog or pitch, read it out loud. Sit with it for a few minutes and think about it. Does it make sense? You should get more granular and offer tips only after you’ve read the whole thing.
2. Work in the Right Setting: We are all guilty of looking at too many things simultaneously. To give your best feedback, close other files and remove distractions like music or notifications.  Close your email and minimize messaging channels like Slack. Truly spend time with the work. The person who spent the time preparing it deserves that consideration. Working without other distractions will also help provide better feedback. 
3. Don’t Jump Right to Corrections: Fixing grammar and usage and pointing out problems are critical parts of reviews. But don’t jump right to fixing mistakes. If you are too eager to fix something, you might overlook a strong idea that could help a PR campaign. Ask the following questions: are there any great ideas the client will love here? Are there any hidden gems? In addition to problems, what has the person done well?
4. Consider Strengths and Experience: When reviewing work, temper your expectations and consider a person’s background and experience. An account executive’s first strategy brief will likely need more work than a VP (although they might also surprise you with fresh ideas).  Someone who excels at crunching numbers might need help with writing. Excellence should be the goal, but be realistic and consider each person’s strengths and background. 
5. Have a Uniform Process and Use Compatible Software: This is simple but crucial: You should have a uniform process for reviewing work — both internally and externally — and should use the same tech toolset. If someone sends work in Word and you typically use Google Docs, It can add time and frustration and lead to issues with version control. Just because someone is remote, it doesn’t mean they can choose what file types or software to use.

Giving good feedback is an art. Be firm but also flexible, and remember that reviewing work is as much about finding the good as fixing the bad. The more reviewing work is an open exchange of ideas, the more you’ll be able to find ideas and deliver projects that delight clients. 

Looking for a PR firm that can help plan your news events at just the right time and reach people through storytelling? Mercury Global Partners is an “all senior” PR firm focused on emerging tech like sustainability, healthcare, AI and more. Get in touch with us at hello@wearemgp.com. 

We provided tips on preventing work from getting caught in a feedback hell loop in a previous blog. However, we’ve never looked at another piece of the puzzle: how to provide thoughtful feedback if you’re asked to review a pitch, a spreadsheet, a presentation deck, a blog, and more. Here are five tips for providing feedback that helps rather than hinders.

1. Read and Review the Entire Work First: One of the worst ways to give feedback is to start editing work line-by-line before you’ve read the entire thing. The best way to review work is to first read it thoroughly. If it’s a press release, op-ed, blog or pitch, read it out loud. Sit with it for a few minutes and think about it. Does it make sense? You should get more granular and offer tips only after you’ve read the whole thing.
2. Work in the Right Setting: We are all guilty of looking at too many things simultaneously. To give your best feedback, close other files and remove distractions like music or notifications.  Close your email and minimize messaging channels like Slack. Truly spend time with the work. The person who spent the time preparing it deserves that consideration. Working without other distractions will also help provide better feedback. 
3. Don’t Jump Right to Corrections: Fixing grammar and usage and pointing out problems are critical parts of reviews. But don’t jump right to fixing mistakes. If you are too eager to fix something, you might overlook a strong idea that could help a PR campaign. Ask the following questions: are there any great ideas the client will love here? Are there any hidden gems? In addition to problems, what has the person done well?
4. Consider Strengths and Experience: When reviewing work, temper your expectations and consider a person’s background and experience. An account executive’s first strategy brief will likely need more work than a VP (although they might also surprise you with fresh ideas).  Someone who excels at crunching numbers might need help with writing. Excellence should be the goal, but be realistic and consider each person’s strengths and background. 
5. Have a Uniform Process and Use Compatible Software: This is simple but crucial: You should have a uniform process for reviewing work — both internally and externally — and should use the same tech toolset. If someone sends work in Word and you typically use Google Docs, It can add time and frustration and lead to issues with version control. Just because someone is remote, it doesn’t mean they can choose what file types or software to use.

Giving good feedback is an art. Be firm but also flexible, and remember that reviewing work is as much about finding the good as fixing the bad. The more reviewing work is an open exchange of ideas, the more you’ll be able to find ideas and deliver projects that delight clients. 

Looking for a PR firm that can help plan your news events at just the right time and reach people through storytelling? Mercury Global Partners is an “all senior” PR firm focused on emerging tech like sustainability, healthcare, AI and more. Get in touch with us at hello@wearemgp.com.