Here, enjoy this tasty sandwich! (credit)
You always have opportunity to give feedback to team members. Usually it will be good feedback. Occasionally, you will have to give negative feedback. Here is an easy way to soften the blow when delivering negative feedback:
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Start with a positive
-Emphasize something the team member has done well.
-Be sincere, not fluffy. Don’t “blow smoke”.
-This “bread” statement should lead to the “meat”…
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Add the negative
-Tactfully state the negative as an area for improvement.
-Be clear on the deficiency
-Explain your expectation
-Lead your “meat” statement back to the final “bread”…
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End with a positive
-Restate the emphasis on the positive
For example:
“Great job on that presentation. I really liked the way you tied together the project’s benefits with our organizational objectives. The analogy you used was original and perfect for the topic! One thing I’d like to see in future presentations is a more thorough presentation of data. The data you presented was clear, but I think your audience would benefit from a more detailed presentation of your analysis. That way they can fully understand how the data led you to your conclusions (which were excellent, by the way). Overall, it was an amazing presentation!”
Treat these 3 ingredients like the food pyramid. The bread (the positive remarks) should make up the majority of the discussion. The meat (or tofu – we don’t judge) is the negative remark. There should be less of it, and although it should never overpower the bread, you should still be able to taste it.
A good sandwich has balance. Even a crap sandwich!
What techniques do you use to deliver negative feedback?
Anthony! I love it! I used to work in direct marketing. We used the “build, break, build” method as well. Thanks for the good information that’s easy to follow.
Aubrie