Feedback

At Avalonia UI, open and honest communication is central to how we work. As a remote, globally distributed team, giving and receiving feedback effectively helps us grow both individually and as a company.

Our approach to feedback

We keep our feedback process flexible and straightforward. Most feedback happens naturally through our day-to-day interactions on Telegram and during project work. However, we also run periodic team surveys through Google Forms to check in on team sentiment and happiness. This combination of informal daily feedback and structured check-ins helps us maintain a healthy, open culture where everyone can thrive.

Giving effective feedback

Good feedback is specific, constructive, and given with the intention to help. Here's how to make your feedback more effective:

• Focus on observations rather than judgements. Instead of "Your code is messy," try "I noticed this function handles several different responsibilities, which made it harder for me to understand."
• Share feedback promptly. If something's working well or needs improvement, don't wait for a formal survey - share it when it's relevant.
• Ask questions to understand context. Sometimes what looks like a problem might make more sense once you understand the full picture.
• Be direct but kind. Being transparent doesn't mean being harsh - deliver your message clearly while maintaining respect and empathy.

Receiving feedback well

Creating a culture of open feedback requires being good at receiving it as well as giving it. Here's how to make the most of feedback you receive:

• Listen with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Even if you disagree, try to understand the perspective being shared.
• Take time to reflect. You don't need to accept or act on all feedback immediately. It's okay to take time to process it.
• Ask for clarification. If feedback seems vague, ask for specific examples or suggestions for improvement.
• Express gratitude. Thank people for taking the time to share their thoughts, even if the feedback is challenging to hear.

Team surveys

We occassionally gather feedback through team surveys to ensure everyone has a voice in shaping Avalonia UI's future. These surveys are anonymous and help us understand what's working well and what we could improve. While we keep the process simple, we take the results seriously and use them to guide our decisions about company culture, processes, and growth.