Feedback That Helps

Warm-up0:00–0:088 min

Start with a useful example

Choose a manageable situation and notice what makes feedback feel safe enough to use.

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Choose a low-stakes moment

8 min

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Set up your example

1
Choose a moment
Pick a recent interaction or piece of work where one change could make a difference.
2
Keep it bounded
Avoid confidential details, serious conflict, or feedback that needs formal support.
3
Write the observable action
Describe what someone could have seen or heard. Leave out guesses about motives.

ReflectWhat makes this example specific enough to discuss and low-stakes enough to practise?

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Concept0:08–0:2012 min

Build feedback from evidence

Separate observable behavior from interpretation, then connect it to an effect and a goal.

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Use action, impact, and goal

12 min

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Draft the evidence

1
Name the moment
Use a concrete example: “In Tuesday’s handoff, the testing notes were missing.”
2
Describe the impact
State the effect without exaggeration: “I had to pause the review while I asked for them.”
3
Connect to a goal
Name the outcome: “Complete notes help us review the release on schedule.”

Knowledge checkWhich opening is most grounded in observable evidence?AYou are careless with handoffs.BIn yesterday’s handoff, the testing notes were not attached.CYou clearly did not think the review mattered.

ReflectIn your example, what is one observable action, and what interpretation could you avoid stating as fact?

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Practice0:20–0:3515 min

Make the next step actionable

Turn a general reaction into a clear request that leaves room for discussion.

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Write a request someone can answer

15 min

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Practise the message

1
Pair up
If you have a partner, take turns as speaker and listener. Otherwise, write both sides of a short exchange.
2
Give the context
State the observation and impact from your draft in a calm, direct way.
3
Make one request
Ask for a specific action that is within the other person’s control.
4
Check what is workable
Ask, “How does that sound?” or “What would make this easier to do?”

ReflectWhich words made your request specific and respectful, and what might you revise after hearing the other person’s response?

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Practice0:35–0:5015 min

Practise listening and revising

Use curiosity to understand the other person’s perspective and adjust the proposed next step.

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Respond without rushing to defend

15 min

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Run a listening round

1
Share the draft
The speaker gives the feedback message they prepared, keeping it to one example and one request.
2
Ask, then listen
The listener asks, “What context should I understand?” The speaker answers without interruption.
3
Summarize
The listener reflects back the main point and asks whether they understood correctly.
4
Agree on a next step
Together, choose one action, owner, and check-in point that feels workable.

Knowledge checkAfter hearing new context, what is the most useful response?ARepeat the request more firmly so the original point is not lost.BSummarize what you heard, check your understanding, and explore an workable next step.CDrop the topic immediately to avoid discomfort.

ReflectWhat did you learn by asking for context before settling on a next step?

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Debrief0:50–1:0010 min

Debrief and carry it forward

Choose one feedback habit to use in a real conversation and plan how to follow up.

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Make a small commitment

10 min

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Complete your takeaway

1
Choose one habit
Select a practice to use, such as naming an observable example or asking an open question.
2
Name the situation
Write where and when you could use it, while keeping private details out of your notes.
3
Plan a follow-up
Choose a reasonable point to check whether the agreed action improved the work or interaction.

ReflectWhat is one feedback habit you will try, and how will you know whether it helped?

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