Have you ever felt your feedback fall on deaf ears? Don't worry, you can change your style and provide feedback with the sandwich technique, a method that consists of beginning the comment with a positive and encouraging statement, followed by constructive criticism and then a few positive words. Positive affirmations are the "bread" of the sandwich and criticism is the "filling." Regardless of whether you are a boss, a teacher, or a family member, you may find this technique useful! You can also focus on finding a way to provide effective feedback in any type of situation.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Make Positive Affirmations
Step 1. Start with a compliment
Start the conversation by saying something positive to your interlocutor. The goal is to open up the dialogue with a positive tone, as it will help keep the other person from getting defensive.
For example, you can say, "Great that your sales increased last month!"
Step 2. Be specific
Make sure the compliment is unambiguous or unclear. Otherwise, your interlocutor may feel that your feedback does not apply directly to him. Include direct statements about your performance.
For example, you can say to your child, "Thomas, I am proud of you for having used dialogue to solve the problem with your sister."
Step 3. Be sincere
Don't praise the other for commitment. Otherwise, you may appear to be fake and damage your credibility. Find something that you really feel the other person did well to bring up.
For example, you can say, “Juan, you've worked really hard to make your emails sound more polite. All the members of your team appreciate it”
Step 4. End with an encouraging statement
Complete your comment by offering a few additional positive words. This is the second slice of bread in a sandwich feedback that will help ensure that the conversation ends on a positive note.
- For example, you can say, “Laura, you have prepared an excellent introduction to the work. I look forward to helping you develop the thesis”.
- You can also reiterate the initial positive affirmation such as, "As I mentioned, I really notice your effort to write more constructive emails."
Method 2 of 3: Give Tips for Improvement
Step 1. Offer constructive criticism
The goal is not to simply tell the other what they are doing wrong. Constructive criticism implies that you also provide some ideas for improvement. Tell him what he is doing wrong and how he can fix it.
For example, you can say, “Your sales are close to 20% below your goal and you haven't met your goals for the past three months. Let's work together to expand your network and improve your speech”
Step 2. Be direct
Don't dodge the question. Try to get straight to the point. After providing a positive affirmation, offer the feedback clearly and directly.
For example, you can say "You need to improve sales next month or we will have to re-evaluate your role on the team."
Step 3. Be brief
Don't beat around the bush. Your statement should be direct and brief. You can follow up on the matter later. When offering sandwich feedback, be brief so your message is easily understood.
If you have to provide written feedback, the “filler” may not be more than one paragraph
Step 4. Give clear advice
The goal of providing feedback is to help the other person be successful. Avoid telling him what you need him to do in vague terms. Instead, tell him what specific goals he needs to achieve.
You can say, “You need to meet your sales targets every month. Let's work together to adjust the goal until we can reach the original goal. We will have to meet every week to discuss your progress. "
Method 3 of 3: Provide Effective Feedback
Step 1. Be objective
Avoid using first-person statements like "I don't like how you did this" or "I feel like you're not trying hard enough." Instead, use the facts to back up the points you make. You can say, "You haven't turned in the last three assignments, which shows a lack of commitment to the class."
Step 2. Focus on the situation, not the person
Put aside your personal emotions. Undoubtedly, it is possible that you feel some negativity towards the person or you simply do not get along with them. However, don't let that get across and influence the criticism you want to offer.
Instead of saying, "You're not helping the team," try saying, "Your colleagues get frustrated when you don't show up for meetings on time."
Step 3. Offer suggestions for specific tasks
Avoid unclear suggestions to improve performance. Phrases like "You need to improve" are not very helpful. Instead, talk about the issue itself that needs improvement.
- Make sure your feedback is viable. Provide the other person with tangible things to do.
- Instead of saying, "You need to help out more around the house," try saying, "You have to make the bed and feed the dog every morning before going to school."
Step 4. Offer your feedback in a timely manner
Try to provide feedback when it's still helpful. If you wait until you are completely dissatisfied, there may not be much time to salvage the situation. Address problems as soon as you notice them. If you provide feedback in the right way, it could help make the other person better.
Don't wait for a student to fail your classes to give them feedback. Instead, talk to him to find out how he can improve throughout the semester
Advice
- Make eye contact to show that you have an interest in actively participating in the conversation.
- Offer negative feedback in private.
- Be considerate of the feelings of others.