7 ways of giving feedback that encourage change

The article argues that feedback matters because managers want something to change. It says good feedback should be adapted to the recipient, given early when behavior may affect future work, and framed in a way that makes the purpose clear.

Reading notes

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• Ask people how they prefer to receive feedback, then adjust format and timing to match.
• Give feedback as soon as it may affect future behavior, even if the issue seems small.
• Place feedback in context so the other person understands why it is being raised now.
• Avoid the “shit sandwich” because it is predictable and often misleads people.
• Say explicitly that the feedback comes from care and concern for the person or team.
• Be specific about what was observed and what could be better.
• Turn feedback into a conversation by asking for the other person’s view.