Do you have to give someone in your team some negative feedback and you don’t know how to start? Follow these 2 pieces of advice: 2 techniques to give negative feedback that always work!
- The sandwich technique (3 layers):
Something positive + something negative + something positive
Start by commenting on the positive aspects of their work supporting your opinion with examples. Afterwards, state the areas to be improved. Finally, end with a positive conclusion about their work, highlighting their strengths.
- Rule 5/1
For each negative comment, provide five positive comments.
Any other pieces of good advice?
- Combine both techniques
- Always talk about strengths and areas to be improved (never mention weaknesses or use negative words).
- Always give examples so that they can understand what you are talking about. If you don’t have any examples to give, don’t mention it.
- Always finish with a sentence to cheer them up, to lift their spirits. Keep on! We will make it!
