None of this means the feedback sandwich isn`t an effective way to give feedback, it absolutely is - but only when that sandwich has been well constructed.

Making it Most Appetizing

A sandwich can`t live by meat alone - the bread is also important! Here are three ways to make your feedback sandwich most appetizing:

Specific. All of the feedback you give - both positive and negative - needs to be specific. Giving specific corrections with a vague "nice job" for the positive won`t work.

Helpful. The best sandwiches are about more than the main ingredients. The condiments make it all work together. The condiments for a feedback sandwich are your intention. If your intention is truly about helping people understand their performance and improve, let them know that. Also know that whatever your intention is when giving feedback, it will have an impact on how well the feedback will be received.

Balanced. There are two slices of bread and just one middle to most sandwiches. So it is with your feedback. I`m not saying you have to have a two-to-one ratio for positive to corrective feedback. However, it is important to balance your conversation by sharing (specific and helpful) positive as well as corrective comments.

When you build your feedback sandwich with planning, preparation and thought, the result will be comments people will want to hear, will listen to, and will use. Otherwise, your feedback may be like the sandwich that is nibbled and tossed in the trash, or never sampled at all.

Potential Pointer: The best feedback is balanced, specific and helpful. The best feedback sandwich (positive comments coming first and last) it`s important to make the positive comments as specific and helpful as the corrective feedback. When you do, all the comments will be heard, understood and used much more effectively. If you want to be more effective at coaching become skilled in creating great feedback sandwiches..

Page 2 of 2 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 | Next