Techniques For Balancing Positive And Negative Design Feedback

As an EY Partner, I gave feedback to thousands. Master the art of feedback - skyrocket your leadership: Bad feedback creates confusion. Good feedback sparks growth. Use the CSS (Clear, Specific, Supportive) framework to make your feedback land without friction. No more awkward silences or sugarcoating disasters: 1. Give positive feedback that actually feels valuable. ❌ Don’t say: “Great job!” ✅ Instead say: “Hey [Name], I really liked how you [specific action]. It made a real impact on [outcome]. Keep doing this—it’s a game-changer.” Why it matters: → Reinforces what actually works 2 Address underperformance without demotivating. ❌ Don’t say: “You need to improve.” ✅ Instead say: “I appreciate your effort on [project]. One area to refine is [specific issue]. A great way to improve would be [solution or resource]. Let’s check in next [timeframe] to see how it’s going.” Why it works: → Pinpoints the issue without personal criticism 3. Redirect someone without crushing their confidence. ❌ Don’t say: “This isn’t what I wanted.” ✅ Instead say: “I see where you were going with [work]. One way to make it even stronger is [specific suggestion]. What do you think about this approach?” Why it works: → Keeps feedback constructive, not critical 4. Push back on an idea (without sounding like a jerk). ❌ Don’t say: “I don’t think this will work.” ✅ Instead say: “I see the thinking behind [idea]. One challenge I foresee is [issue]. Have you considered [alternative approach]? Let’s explore what works best.” Why it works: → Keeps it a discussion, not a shutdown 5. Handle conflict without escalating it. ❌ Don’t say: “You’re wrong.” ✅ Instead say: “I see it differently—here’s why. Can we walk through both perspectives and find common ground?” Why it works: → Creates space for solutions, not arguments 6. Help someone level up their leadership. ❌ Don’t say: “You need to be more of a leader.” ✅ Instead say: “I see a lot of leadership potential in you. One way to step up is by [specific behavior]. I’d love to support you in growing here—what do you think?” Why it works: → Focuses on potential, not deficits 7. Coach someone who is struggling. ❌ Don’t say: “You need to step up.” ✅ Instead say: “I’ve noticed [specific challenge]. What’s getting in the way? Let’s find a way to make this easier for you.” Why it works: → Focuses on support, not blame 8. Give feedback to a peer without sounding like a boss. ❌ Don’t say: “You should have done it this way.” ✅ Instead say: “I had a thought—what if we tried [alternative]? I think it could help with [goal]. What do you think?” Why it works: → Encourages shared ownership of improvement 9. Close feedback on a high note. ❌ Don’t say: “Just fix it.” ✅ Instead say: “I appreciate the work you put in. With these adjustments, I know it’ll be even better. Looking forward to seeing how it evolves!” Why it works: → Ends on a motivating note — ♻️ Repost it to help others grow.

"𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸: 𝗔 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀es" When reviewing new project creative with your marketing team, you’ll want to ensure that your feedback propels the project forward in a positive way. Here are five key tips to guide your feedback sessions: 𝗕𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 🎯: Avoid generic remarks like "I don't like it." Delve into specifics. Instead of "It doesn't stand out," say, "The text color blends too much with the background, making it less visible." 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲🌟🔧: Highlight what you appreciate first. "The main image is captivating! Maybe adjusting the font size of the title would enhance its readability?" 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁 🚫🎨: You're offering insights, not redesigning. So, rather than dictate (e.g., "Use blue"), outline the concern: "Does this color reflect our brand ethos?" 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ❓: Stimulate conversation. "Is there a reason this image was chosen for this context?" or "How does this design choice echo our brand message?" 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹-𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱🎯: Align feedback with the project's intent and the audience's expectations. Steer clear of mere personal preferences. Remember, effective feedback bridges the understanding between you and your marketing team, fostering innovation and refining end products. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺? 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗲: With over 40 years in marketing, I specialize in aiding small businesses. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝗲 and activate notifications (🔔) to stay updated 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁: go to the 3 dots next to my name at the top of this post and click “save” #smallbusiness #marketingaudits #marketingstrategy #marketingconsulting 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆? Let's discuss it! Click here to schedule a meeting: https://sgtyson.co/43HCcG9

In any collaborative environment, providing constructive and thoughtful feedback is a skill that can elevate both individuals and teams. Here's a quick guide to mastering the art of giving good feedback: Address the behavior or outcome you want to discuss with precision. Specific feedback is more actionable and easier to understand. Additionally, provide feedback as close to the event as possible, ensuring its relevance and impact. -Begin by acknowledging what went well. Positive reinforcement sets a constructive tone and helps the recipient understand their strengths, fostering a more receptive mindset for improvement. -Frame your feedback in a way that encourages growth rather than focusing solely on mistakes. Offer solutions or alternatives, guiding the individual toward improvement. Avoid personal attacks and maintain a professional, supportive tone. -Express your feedback from a personal perspective using "I" statements. This approach helps avoid sounding accusatory and emphasizes your observations or feelings about the situation. -Critique actions and behaviors rather than judge the person's character. This helps the individual understand what specific actions can be adjusted or improved. -Feedback should be a two-way street. Encourage the recipient to share their perspective, thoughts, and potential solutions. A collaborative discussion fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to improvement. -A healthy feedback mix includes both positive reinforcement and developmental guidance. Recognize achievements and strengths while offering insights into areas for growth. This balance creates a well-rounded view and motivates continuous improvement. -Pay attention to your tone and body language when delivering feedback. A respectful and empathetic approach enhances the impact of your message. Ensure your feedback aligns with your intention to support and guide rather than criticize. -Effective feedback doesn't end with delivery. Follow up to check progress, provide additional guidance, and show ongoing support. This reinforces the idea that feedback is a continuous process aimed at improvement. -Just as you provide feedback, be open to receiving feedback on your communication style. Continuous improvement applies to everyone, and being receptive to constructive criticism enhances your ability to provide effective feedback in the future. Remember, the goal of good feedback is to inspire growth and improvement. By incorporating these principles, you contribute to a positive and collaborative environment where individuals and teams can thrive. What would you add?