A feedback circle is a framework of communication that helps the recipient identify both healthy & unhealthy patterns and behaviors that are hampering their progress toward achieving true independence. It allows coaches and at times students to give, receive and apply meaningful feedback in a proactive and constructive manner.

Suggestions: Receivers will be more engaged if the giver uses specific examples or situations. You might even think about using personal examples from your own life to illustrate a point. Using analogies or applying visual aides can also help communicate your message better. Relating or connecting your feedback to something that is important to the receiver is a great way to make the feedback relevant to the receiver's own life.

Look at the receivers body language throughout the feedback circle. Try to identify what feedback hits a chord, whether that feedback is positive or constructive.

Rules of the Feedback Circle:

1) A coach or student council member must be present with at least 3 givers and no more than 9 givers participating in the feedback circle.

2) The Feedback Circle should be just that, a Circle. It doesn't matter where the givers or receiver sits as long as it is within the Circle.

3) The giver and receiver of feedback should maintain eye contact. This communicates to all involved that everyone is engaged and receptive to the Feedback Circle.

4) A ratio of two positive feedbacks (min) for every one constructive feedback should be given per giver.

5) All givers should keep their feedback to around 3 minutes max. Avoid rambling on. The Feedback Circle should be no longer than 30 - 45 minutes long. After the Feedback Circle has concluded, a coach or student council member will spend about 5 minutes giving feedback about the Feedback Circle.

6) It's ok to repeat the same feedback as someone else in the Circle or add to another person's feedback when it is your turn to give.

7) Only one giver at a time can speak. No comments or questions should be made during feedback (if at all possible) by either the giver or receiver. Give the "Hang Loose" sign with your hand if you agree with another giver's feedback.

8) Only Forte Strong members in good standing are allowed to attend the Feedback Circle to ensure a emotionally safe and positive environment for self-reflection and growth.

9) There should be no distractions. All cell phones should be turned off or on silent. Their should be no tables chairs or obstacles inside the circle or between the givers and receiver.

10) All participants involved in the feedback circle should be adequately prepared, meaning the givers and recipient should be completely involved and engaged in the Feedback Circle and nothing else. All participants should have adequate sleep, food & water and enough time to participate fully in the Feedback Circle.