Why is the feedback sandwich not helpful when giving feedback, and what does this mean for your communication?

I got caught up in an incredible documentary this weekend, and while I loved it and learnt a lot and was super impressed one thing stood out. Watching when feedback and messaging being delivered were neither clear nor direct was painful. 

They did care personally and this is one aspect of the Radical Candor model - the other part is to challenge directly. What was happening in the show reminded me of the feedback sandwich - a tool - that admittedly 30 years ago was being taught and used as a way to give feedback. 

This episode leans heavily on the work of Kim Scott and the team at Radical Candor. Links to the places I’ve specifically quoted from and used to build this episode are all below. 

So we cover:-

• The 6 reasons why the feedback sandwich doesn’t work. 

• What to do instead and what this can look like in practice.

• Share the value of sitting with the discomfort of critical feedback. 

• Why appreciative feedback is part of this equation.  

Links and Resources

Radical Candor 

The feedback sandwich 

How to get and give feedback at work

When was the last time anyone said thank you to you? 

America’s Sweethearts on Netflix

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