Soft Skills Giving and Receiving Feedback 4

Question 1

In 360-degree feedback, which group of respondents is typically included?

Accepted Answer

Managers, peers, direct reports, and sometimes clients

Answer

360-degree feedback gathers input from multiple directions—above, below, and beside—to provide a comprehensive performance picture.

Question 2

Which communication behavior most undermines trust when giving feedback?

Accepted Answer

Making generalizations like 'you always' or 'you never'

Answer

Absolute generalizations feel accusatory and inaccurate, triggering defensiveness and eroding trust in the feedback.

Question 3

A team member consistently misses feedback conversations by saying they are 'too busy.' What does this most likely signal?

Accepted Answer

They may have psychological safety concerns about receiving feedback

Answer

Avoidance of feedback conversations often reflects fear of criticism or a lack of psychological safety in the relationship.

Question 4

What does it mean to 'close the feedback loop' after giving developmental feedback?

Accepted Answer

Follow up to check progress and acknowledge improvements

Answer

Closing the loop means following up to see if the person has acted on the feedback and recognizing the changes they've made.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'negative feedback' in communication theory (not everyday language)?

Accepted Answer

A signal indicating that a system is deviating from its goal

Answer

In communication and systems theory, negative feedback is corrective information that helps a system return to its desired state.

Soft Skills - Communication Practice Test