Polyprax - Scholar of Improvement
Helps & tips to make life better
Progress Researcher β€’ Learner β€’ Student
Welfare Educator β€’ Teacher β€’ Motivator

Praise Before Negative Feedback

Give people sincere praise about something they have done well or that you appreciate about them before giving them negative feedback or an idea for something they could change or do differently.

"Sandwich every bit of criticism between two heavy layers of praise." One well known strategy for feedback is the β€œcriticism sandwich,” popularized by the above quote from cosmetics maven Mary Kay Ash. In the sandwich, you begin with praise, address the problem, and follow up with more praise. In fact, the more of the conversation you can frame positively, the more likely your recipient is to be in the right frame of mind to make the change you’re looking for.

How to Give and Receive Feedback at Work: The Psychology of Criticism - Buffer