What do you do if your intern wants to give feedback and evaluate team performance?

1 Embrace Openness

Embracing openness is key when an intern wants to give feedback. You should set the tone for a receptive environment by showing enthusiasm for their initiative. Let them know that their observations are welcome, and that you appreciate their willingness to contribute to the team's success. This can be done by scheduling a meeting or setting aside time during team discussions for the intern to share their thoughts. Remember, fostering an open dialogue not only benefits the intern's professional growth but can also lead to valuable insights for the team.

2 Set Boundaries

While it is important to encourage feedback, setting clear boundaries is equally crucial. Explain to your intern the appropriate channels and times for providing feedback, as well as the types of feedback that are constructive. This guidance helps maintain professionalism and ensures that the feedback process is beneficial and does not disrupt workflow or team dynamics. By delineating these parameters, you help your intern understand how to communicate effectively within a professional setting.

3 Provide Training

Consider offering training to your intern on how to give constructive feedback. This can include teaching them about the SBI model (Situation-Behavior-Impact), which is a structured way of delivering feedback that focuses on specific situations, the behaviors observed, and the impact of those behaviors. Training ensures that the feedback provided is actionable and clear, and it equips the intern with valuable communication skills that will serve them throughout their career.

4 Facilitate Dialogue

Facilitating a constructive dialogue between the intern and team members is essential. You should mediate the conversation to ensure that it remains respectful and productive. Encourage team members to listen actively and consider the intern's perspective, while also guiding the intern to receive any responses or questions with an open mind. This exchange can lead to a deeper understanding among team members and can help in building a stronger, more cohesive team.

5 Reflect on Feedback

After receiving feedback from your intern, take time to reflect on their comments. Assess whether their insights reveal areas for improvement or new opportunities for the team. It's important to acknowledge the value of their input by discussing potential actions or changes with your team. This reflection not only validates the intern's efforts but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and effective leadership.

6 Follow Up

Finally, following up is an important step in this process. After considering the intern's feedback, communicate any decisions or changes that will be made as a result. If certain suggestions cannot be implemented, provide explanations to help the intern understand the reasons behind these decisions. This follow-up reinforces the importance of their contribution and maintains an atmosphere of transparency and trust within your team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?