Feedback Series: Be Specific, Be Positive

Let's walk through a familiar scenario. Your boss calls you into her office and asks you to sit down. "You're doing really great work," she says. "Your project plans are always on time and you've yet to abuse our unlimited vacation policy."

So far so good. But you can already sense what comes next. After a brief pause she continues, "BUT you've yet to win us any new business."

When feedback is delivered incorrectly it's useless. Recipients leave feeling attacked, not supported. Which is a shame because it's a vital tool for self-improvement. So, we sat down with Lee to create a short series on how to give and receive feedback.

Key Takeaways

• There’s critical feedback and amplification feedback – you should provide specific examples in order for either to be beneficial
• Try to remain as positive as possible when you’re offering critical feedback
• Replace “but” with “and” when you’re offering critical feedback
• Managers, adjust your feedback delivery to fit the specific personality type that will be receiving it