Effective Communication - How to Give Constructive Feedback With the Feedback Sandwich Technique

Providing regular, constructive feedback helps tothe "meat" or filling is thin. It's like an Italian panini with
motivate and retain staff. Everyone wants to knowheavy, flavourful bread; not a Smoked Meat Sandwich
how well they are doing, and have opportunities towith thin rye bread and lots of smoked meat!
learn and grow. When you take the time to share1. Praise and Acknowledgment
some feedback with an individual, it makes them feelBegin with acknowledgment and praise.
valued and will contribute towards retaining them in theBe generous.
long run. Invest in your team by taking the time toLet the individual know how well they are doing.
prepare and deliver individual feedback.Be specific and descriptive.
Negative feedback is never easy to give, butBe sincere and genuine.
sandwiching criticism between layers of praise makes2. Area for Improvement
it more palatable and more effective. It is possible toBe constructive.
tell someone what you like and dislike about his or herFocus on one area at a time.
performance in a constructive way, by serving aFocus on concrete behaviour that needs to be
"feedback sandwich".reinforced or corrected.
Use this "feedback sandwich" technique for giving3. Encouragement
feedback that is more palatable. First, share a qualityAcknowledge areas of strength.
or characteristic that you appreciate, then give oneBuild on areas of strength.
area for improvement, and finish with some positiveExplain how strengths will contribute towards further
words of encouragement or appreciation.progress.
- Bread: Start with a positive statement.Communicate belief in individual's abilities to achieve the
- Meat: Put an area that need improvement in thegoal.
middle.Be specific about actions.
- Bread: End with a positive statement ofIt may take 5 positive statements for the listener to
encouragement.hear 1 piece of negative or constructive feedback. Be
For this feedback sandwich, the "bread" is quite thickgenerous with the praise and encouragement!
(lots of positive encouragement and appreciation) and