Shout Outs and Call Outs

A student asked me recently, “Why do I need to give anyone feedback?  I’m not a manager and I don’t want to be one.”

I thought it was a good question.  Certainly, supervisors need to give input to their employees, but if you aren’t the boss, do you ever give people feedback?

From my perspective, the answer would be a resounding yes!  Even though I don’t have authority over them, I give my friends and family feedback all the time.  If something happens that bothers me, I let them know, hopefully in the kindest way I can.  Even more important, I always try to tell them what makes them so impressive, because, afterall, who doesn’t need an ego boost once and again.

So what do you think?  Who do you give feedback to most often?  How would you respond to the situations below?

1.  Your roommate leaves dirty dishes all over the house.

2.  Your employee is competent, but isn’t pro-active.

3.  Your friend is fun and creative, but he/she is a little ditsy and forgets your plans.

4.  Your colleague often leaves work unfinished so you have to fill in the uncompleted details.