Feedback sandwich, s**t sandwich or s**t feedback?

Inferno Lynda’s tour around London

I’ve been *doing* feedback for decades. I didn’t always get it right in the early days. But I’m kind, considerate and constructive.

What I’ve learned:

1. If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.

2. Read it back – how does it sound? Will it be perceived and received in the way you intended it? Read and delete. If it’s verbal feedback perhaps record it and listen back (please don’t send it!!) before you have the actual conversation!

2. Less is more. Don’t overwhelm the recipient with your verbal/ written tirade – however well-meaning you are. This is challenging if you work in an environment where your feedback is written as much for your recipient as for your accreditors, assessors or quality control!

3. Be constructive and positive. If you think there’s an issue with what they (the recipient of the feedback) have done, first acknowledge as many positives as possible. There is always a positive … unless you are a pessimist and/or an energy vampire. In which case you are in the wrong business.

4. There really should be no negatives – perhaps say “I can see what you’re doing with blah and one recommendation/suggestion might be to do blah…

5. Never compare!

I’m Lynda. I’m me. What I offer is what I know my students and clients like: a safe space to play like a child, a safe space to have fun, a safe space for the freedom to be and the freedom to grow. With a safe space comes freedom. With freedom comes curiosity. With curiosity comes the breakthrough(s) – epiphanies, eureka moments.

Comparison is the killer of joy, the crusher of confidence and stifler of creativity. I nurture creativity and I offer you the right to be you.

6. The recipient should never have a sense of “but” because it gives them a feeling that you’re going to say something awful and crushing. This means they won’t hear the positives. No buts. Trust me. If you have imposter syndrome you will only look for or hear negative feedback. 😳🥹😬 Let’s build ourselves up!

The story of the swan:

They came to class lost, lacking confident, feeling sad, low, depressed. I remember saying to them “Do what you can, you’ve already done the hard bit – that was getting to class. Anything else is a bonus. Little by little you will get stronger. I believe in you!” After just one class with me, I thought there’d been a bodysnatch and personality switch: a skip in their step, a glow in their aura and a beaming smile. The next time they grew even more, showing strength, resilience and a big kind heart. They realised that they were free to be themselves in my class – because I am me.

I know what I can offer, coach and nurture. Take it or leave it.

Neither I, nor you, can be for everybody but there are plenty of people we can be for.

I choose to work with the energies that vibrate highly with me. I choose me and I’m doing me and being me. My very best self.

Rising and shining in 2023.

Chicasso quoting the wonderful Lisa Nichols

One thought on “Feedback sandwich, s**t sandwich or s**t feedback?

  1. Love the site Love it… agree with all the statements you have made. One of the things we’re looking at in addition to how we give feedback, we are thinking about the ‘Growth v Fixed Mindset and how that helps with setting objectives and how we feedback around this.

    Sandra

    Like

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