In this article I gather the key principals for requesting and providing Feedback
Intro#
This article by Cara Marin provides a concise yet insightful summary on comments and feedback etiquette in distributed work environments. It offers valuable hints on how to enhance collaboration through effective commenting practices. I highly recommend reading it for practical tips and best practices.
Summary#
In the context of distributed work, effective comments and feedback are crucial for collaboration among software engineers. Poor comments etiquette can hinder collaboration and complicate decision-making.
Key Principals#
Key Principles for Good Comments Etiquette:
- Listen Fully and Presently: Engage completely with the document before commenting.
- Confirm Alignment and Understanding: Ensure mutual understanding before responding.
- Collect Your Thoughts: Think before providing feedback.
- Provide Actionable Feedback: Comments should be constructive and practical.
- Agree on Next Steps: Ensure clear next steps are outlined.
Importance of Comments Etiquette#
Repetitive tasks, like reviewing documents, can lead to habits that undermine effective feedback, such as jumping to conclusions or making hasty comments.
How to Get High-Quality Feedback#
- Specify the Feedback Needed: Be clear whether you need strategic, directional, or final-stage proofreading feedback.
- Guide Reviewers: Direct attention to specific parts of the document needing feedback.
Best Practices for Commenting#
Direct Quotes and Highlighting#
Use quotes or highlight text effectively to make comments clear.
Appropriate Use of Comments#
Know when to use comments and when to opt for a direct conversation, especially for sensitive or complex feedback.
A general rule is: If you need more than three comments back and forth to discuss, you should probably move to a face-to-face conversation, like a Slack huddle or Zoom call. Make sure you circle back on the initial thread and document a summary of what was discussed during that call for future reviewers
Notify Colleagues#
Inform teammates when feedback is provided to avoid confusion and ensure timely responses.
Conclusion#
Adopting and maintaining good comments etiquette is essential for effective collaboration in distributed teams. Leading by example can promote better feedback practices within an organization.