Podcast: How to Give Feedback That’s Actually Helpful
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Leadership Jan 30, 2020

Podcast: How to Give Feedback That’s Actually Helpful

Forget the “feedback sandwich.” On this episode of The Insightful Leader, we’ll tell you how to up your game.

When giving feedback, remember that weaknesses can be strengths in disguise.
Based on insights from

Ellen Taaffe

Listening: How to Give Feedback That’s Actually Helpful
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What’s the best way to offer your employees and colleagues constructive criticism?

People often rely on the “sandwich technique,” squeezing in negative feedback between two helping of compliments. But Ellen Taaffe, a clinical assistant professor of leadership at Kellogg, doesn’t find this stale sandwich very appetizing. “I would caution people to be careful of using a formula to give feedback,” she says. “It’s not really authentic.”

Thankfully, there’s a better way. Taaffe shares some tips for how leaders can get better at giving and receiving feedback—and what you can do if you’re not getting any feedback at all.

Note: The Insightful Leader is produced for the ear, and not meant to be read as a transcript. We encourage you to listen to the audio version above. However, a transcript of this episode is available here.

Featured Faculty

Clinical Associate Professor of Management & Organizations; Director of Women's Leadership Programs

About the Writer
Anne Ford is a freelance writer based in Evanston, Illinois.
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