How NOT to give feedback:
Shit Sandwich!
Remember those early self help “management” books that suggest if you’re giving someone critical feedback you do it in three steps:
1. Start by appreciating the person – “the bread”
2. Critical feedback – “the shit”
3. End by talking positive attributes of the person – “the bread”
Essentially, shit sandwich!
This does NOT work (period) Worst it can create confusion for the receiver and manager will loose critical time in getting the point across.
Ben Horowitz – founder of Andreessen Horowitz – did a great job documenting his personal experience in his popular book The Hard Thing About Hard Things, where in VP of Product for a firm he funded early on called him to his face while giving shit sandwich. Ben was ashamed and a bit annoyed on his naiveness.
So, what should you do instead?
Honest and straight talk.
Make it quick and make sure other person understand where you’re coming from and steps he/she could take to better themselves.
Nobody is perfect. The more open you’re about it in your organization the better culture you’ll inculcate.
What approach do you take for providing feedback?
Rating: 4/5
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