In the IT industry, where projects change quickly and teams work in an agile model, feedback is not a bonus – it is the foundation of effective collaboration.
Why is feedback so important?
Good feedback not only improves work quality but also impacts people’s development and helps build a strong organizational culture.
From an employee’s perspective, feedback helps identify areas for improvement faster, strengthens strong skills, and boosts confidence. It is especially important for people in new roles or those starting their careers in IT. And it’s important to remember that feedback shouldn’t come only from managers –every team member can (and should) share their observations and needs.
You shouldn’t wait passively for feedback. It’s better to initiate conversations yourself and actively ask for feedback whenever possible.
Feedback ≠ criticism
There is still a belief that feedback means “telling someone what they did wrong”. In reality, it’s mainly information about what works and what can be improved.
Good feedback should be specific, honest, and given in the right context – especially when it concerns difficult topics. It should refer to behaviors and actions, not judge the person. Negative remarks should never be given publicly – only in a respectful and private setting.
Unfortunately, feedback conversations often cause stress because they are associated with evaluation and pointing out mistakes. But even critical feedback is a chance to grow – as long as we treat it as guidance, not a personal attack.
We also shouldn’t forget the power of positive feedback. Appreciating employees builds motivation, increases engagement, and strengthens trust within the team.
Code review
One of the key forms of feedback in a programmer’s work is code review – a review of written code by a more experienced team member, mentor, or colleague. Its goal is not only to find errors but also to improve the quality, clarity, and functionality of the code.
Code review is not a judgment of the person. It is constructive technical feedback that teaches how to write better code and avoid mistakes in the future. This practice supports employee growth and also saves the company time and money.
Summary
In the IT environment, effective feedback is not a luxury – it’s a necessity. The key rules? Feedback should be specific, constructive, and delivered in the right context. It shouldn’t focus only on criticism. It’s also important to remember that asking for feedback is a sign of professionalism, not weakness 💪.
