THE SHORT ANSWER
Describe a specific observed behavior or result, explain its relevant impact, clarify the expectation, listen to context and agree on a next step. Give positive feedback with the same specificity so useful practice can be repeated.
Keep the conversation grounded
A structure is a prompt for clear thinking, not a script to use mechanically.
Discuss behavior and work, not identity
| Vague | More inspectable |
|---|---|
| Be more strategic | Connect the recommendation to the customer evidence and trade-offs |
| Great job | Your early dependency check prevented a delivery delay |
| You are careless | Two required checks were missing from this submission |
Feedback is not automatically beneficial
A large meta-analysis found that feedback interventions improved performance on average but reduced it in a substantial share of cases. Evidence reviews emphasize attention, task detail, credibility and a constructive environment. Avoid treating any formula as universally effective.
Evidence & context: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development · Psychological Bulletin
Prepare for one useful next step
- What did I directly observe?
- Why does it matter to the outcome?
- What expectation was understood?
- What context have I not heard?
- What can change next time?
- When will we review progress?
Sources & further reading
- Performance Feedback: An Evidence Review
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. A 2022 evidence review on conditions that make workplace feedback effective or harmful. It synthesizes varied studies rather than validating one rigid feedback script.
- The Effects of Feedback Interventions on Performance
Psychological Bulletin. A 1996 historical review and meta-analysis showing that feedback effects vary and can reduce performance. Its aggregated settings support caution, not a prediction for one individual conversation.
Examples and exercises are illustrative unless attributed to a source. No independent expert review is claimed.
A correction, a counterexample or an experience worth sharing?
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