Different types of feedback
There are four different types of feedback, only 2 of them build relationships of trust and respect in the process.
- Praise
- Critcism
- Constructive feedback (positive)
- Constructive feedback (negative)
Negative Types of feedback
Praise
- This is a personal judgement, a favourable judgement
- It’s general and vague
- Doesn’t encourage discussion so it can come across as hollow, insincere or lacking substance
- Focused on the person
- Based on opinions & feelings
Damaging as you can come across as hollow, or saying good things for the sake of making the other person feel good.
Criticism
- This is a personal judgement, an unfavourable judgement
- General and vague
- Without specifics it can lead to a battle over whose perception is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’
- Focussed on the person
- Based on opinions & feelings
- Often laced with ‘I’m just being honest’
Positive Types of feedback
Constructive feedback (positive)
- Information specific, issue focused, and based on observation
- About an effort well done
- Objective, specific and non-judgmental
- It is not ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ so it encourages discussion
- The other person knows what to do to replicate the behavior
Constructive feedback (negative)
- Information specific, issue focussed, and based on observation
- News about an effort that needs improvement
- Not accusing - focussed on outcomes
- Objective, specific and non-judgemental
Radical Candor
Caring personally and challenging directly
