Let us consider the following scenario:
For his latest assignment, Matthew wrote a report that was not very well received. His manager calls a meeting to discuss the report. Here are three different approaches to delivering corrective feedback:
1. Manager’s feedback: “This report is terrible”.
This judgmental comment may damage Matthew’s self-confidence and provides no information from which he can improve.
2. Manager’s feedback: “The content of your report was clear and concise, but the layout and presentation were unprofessional for the target audience”.
This feedback avoids criticism and offers Matthew some information, but does not have enough detail and does not allow for discussion so that Matthew can take responsibility.
3. Manager’s feedback: “What was the goal of your report?” and “To what extent do you think this draft achieves that?”, “What are the other points you feel need to be emphasized?”, “Who do you see as the target audience?”
In response to a series of questions, the manager coaches Matthew towards a detailed, non-judgmental description of his report and his thinking behind it. It encourages discussion and will allow ample opportunity to find ways to improve the report.