5 Secrets for Better Asynchronous Feedback

Asynchronous feedback, characterized as feedback that doesn't occur in real-time, stands as a pivotal catalyst within our work environment.

Through digital platforms, emails, comments on shared documents, or delayed messages, teammates can receive and provide feedback in a more thoughtful manner, free from immediate time pressures.

This opportunity has enabled remote teams to process information, provide more elaborate responses, and offer detailed feedback. Companies, whether large, medium, or small, embracing and fostering asynchronous feedback have reaped significant benefits. Primarily, it has propelled continuous improvement and innovation within their work teams. Moreover, by allowing employees to manage their time more flexibly, it has promoted a balance between work and personal life, fostering a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

At NoodleSoup, our founder Alejandro Duarte, has spent over 8 years working asynchronously with various technology teams. This ensures that whenever he needs to provide feedback to his team, he does so in the best possible way to meet the client's parameters. Alejandro has relied on 5 valuable tips for offering the best asynchronous feedback, and today we want to share them with you, especially if you hold a leadership role in your workplace.

Utilize the right tools:

To provide optimal asynchronous feedback, Alejandro employs four scalable and easily manageable tools. Firstly, Loom, equipped with effects that serve didactic purposes and essential functions like zoom. Secondly, Screen Recorder, offering similar characteristics to the former but with more limitations. Thirdly, but no less important, are voice notes via Slack channels. Lastly, voice notes through WhatsApp for extremely urgent situations.

Speak deliberately, repeat, and summarize:

He emphasizes the importance of taking time to speak deliberately when providing asynchronous feedback, ensuring that every word is comprehensible. If an instruction isn't clear, he highlights the significance of repetition and concludes the conversation with a comprehensive summary.

Iterate until achieving results:

Iteration holds a key place in Alejandro's approach. Continuously ensuring that team members comprehend instructions; if not, stepping into their shoes and explaining it differently is vital for providing optimal asynchronous feedback. Provide feedback with respect: Respect is a cornerstone value at NoodleSoup. Alejandro consistently practices it, even when giving asynchronous feedback. Positive and proactive reception of messages within the team results from this respect, consequently enhancing efficiency and achieving set objectives.

Respect your team's work hours:

With asynchronous work spanning across different time zones, obtaining immediate responses can be challenging for leaders. However, Alejandro has intelligently managed this. For instance, sending feedback (video, audio, or wireframe) to a designer at 8 pm without expecting an immediate response due to their off-hours. Patiently waiting for the designer's response the next day to clarify doubts. In urgent cases, respectfully contacting the designer, resolving the issue together, and allowing them to compensate for their off-hours if it takes an extended period.

In conclusion, asynchronous communication is undoubtedly a relatively new concept, not yet perfected. Nevertheless, industry leaders must adapt to unlock its full potential. Alejandro is clear on this, what's your take? Do you know any other tips for providing asynchronous feedback? Share them in the comments!