F.9 · Ethics

Professional communication and feedback

Work through examples of listening, clarifying and using performance feedback to improve implementation. Review how to respond respectfully when a request conflicts with the written plan, accurate records or client protection.

Task F.9: Apply interpersonal and professional skills as an RBT

Useful foundations: F.1: Core principles of RBT ethics

The rule

Turn valid feedback into a specific change in performance; clarify or escalate a request that conflicts with accurate records, the plan or client protection.

Listen carefully, ask for a model or clarification when needed, and escalate instructions that conflict with the plan or client protection.

Key terms

Performance feedback: Specific information about observed work and what to continue or change.

What to look for

Distinction	Look for	How to decide
Listen and collaborate	A specific concern or correction	Understand the issue before responding defensively.
Use feedback	A defined performance change	Practice it and check whether implementation improves.
Professional boundary	A request conflicts with role, plan or safety	Seek clarification or appropriate escalation.

Worked examples

Apply feedback

Turn a correction into a next step

During observation, the supervisor notes that the RBT delivered prompts after one second instead of the planned three. The RBT feels embarrassed but is unsure how to count the interval accurately.

Relevant facts

The feedback identifies an observable timing difference.
The RBT needs a practical method to improve.

Ask for a timing demonstration, rehearse and implement the corrected delay.

Observed early prompt → specific coaching → checked practice

Use the feedback to correct the prompt timing and record performance accurately during follow-up. Share relevant session context with the supervisor as needed.

Clarify a conflicting request

Raise a concern professionally

A coworker says, “Stop recording prompted responses; they make our results look weak.” The current data plan requires both independent and prompted categories.

Relevant facts

The request conflicts with the written data plan.
Omitting prompted responses would distort the record.

Keep accurate data and raise the conflict with the supervisor.

Required categories remain → conflicting request escalated

Respond calmly and specifically, preserve accurate data, and raise the concern through the appropriate supervisory route.

What changes the answer?

Keep corrective feedback; change its content.

Someone asks the RBT to change their work.

The supervisor asks for the timing specified in the plan.

Clarify, practice and apply the correction.

The request improves fidelity.

A coworker asks for inaccurate documentation.

Preserve the accurate entry and escalate the request.

The request conflicts with accurate service records.

Evaluate the substance and authority of feedback while remaining respectful.

Remember

Listen, clarify, practice and check.
Respectful communication and accurate records belong together.

Sources for this topic

Reviewed 2026-09-30 · F.9 version 3.