Giving & Receiving Feedback: An ACT-Informed Guide for Supervisors

Description

Feedback is one of the most effective supervision tools we have, and one of the most avoided. This guide helps you give and receive feedback with clarity and compassion, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Built on the Values Driven Behavior process (Define, Identify, Assess, Teach, Prompt, Reinforce), this 33-page guide combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) to help supervisors notice their own avoidance, connect feedback to what matters, and build a team culture where feedback is expected, safe and effective.

Inside you’ll find:
• Operational definitions of effective feedback, for both giving and receiving
• A psychological flexibility table applying all six ACT processes to feedback conversations
• Values reflection questions for supervisors
• Supervisor Feedback Matrices (with example and blank versions) for giving and receiving feedback
• A self-check of common “away moves”
• “Is Feedback the Right Tool?” checklist: an ACT-informed performance screen, inspired by OBM performance diagnostics, to use before giving corrective feedback
• A 5-step values-based corrective feedback structure
• Scripts for RBTs, DSPs and paraprofessionals, plus scripts for harder conversations
• Scripts for receiving feedback from your supervisor, families and staff
• Guidance on documentation and HR policy
• Two worked supervision examples, one on giving feedback and one on receiving it
• A quick reference page
• A note for BCBAs connecting the guide to the BACB Ethics Code

Printable appendix:
• Feedback Preference Form for staff
• 4 cut-and-laminate prompt cards
• My Weekly Feedback Tracker for supervisor self-monitoring

Perfect for: BCBAs, clinical directors, program managers, special education leaders and anyone who supervises RBTs, DSPs, paraprofessionals or other direct care staff.

Format: Instant digital download. 29-page PDF, 8.5 × 11 in, printable.

Please note: This is a digital product; no physical item will be shipped. For use by one supervisor. Please don’t share or redistribute; contact me for team or organization licensing. This guide supports, but does not replace, your organization’s HR policies, legal guidance or formal performance management processes. The included checklist is an original screening tool and is not a validated assessment.

Looking for the other side of the conversation? See the companion guide for supervisees (COMING SOON)!