Feedback Tips Weekly

“Feedback intervention is defined ‘as actions taken by (an) external agent(s) to provide information regarding some aspect(s) of one’s task performance.’” —Kluger & DeNisi (1996). The effects of feedback interventions on performance: A historical review, a meta-analysis, and a preliminary feedback intervention theory. The work of Kluger and DeNisi shifted the world of feedback research. … Read more

A few semesters ago, a student told me about their goal of reading 100 nonfiction books throughout the year. They were on book 21 and asked if I had any recommendations. I had plenty and provided a few, but I first asked them about the latest book they read. It was Give and Take by … Read more

Two astronauts float in space. One holds a sign that reads “Former Flat Earther.”

I had thought about this moment for years. I visualized every possible part of it. Except this part. I was sitting on the toilet five minutes before I entered the octagon for my first mixed martial arts fight. For those who know this sport: elbows and soccer kicks were fair game. I had prepared in … Read more

“Ring the bells that still can ring.Forget your perfect offeringThere is a crack, a crack in everythingThat’s how the light gets in.” -Leonard Cohen, Anthem (1992) Let’s call him Bill. I met Bill at a Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) academy in Bangkok, Thailand. For those who don’t know, BJJ is a martial art that may, on … Read more

Fire by Judy Brown What makes a fire burn is the space between the logs, a breathing space. Too much of a good thing, too many logs packed in too tight can douse the flames almost as surely as a pail of water would. So building fires requires attention to the spaces in between, as … Read more

A feedback moat describes performance areas or parts of our skill set that we’ve surrounded with some defenses. Just as a moat serves as a method of defense—a way to protect the castle—we can build moats around performance areas we feel the need to defend. Why this is important As we’ve discussed, building self-awareness is … Read more

In one of the Buddha’s teachings, he tells the story of two arrows. The first hit you; it was beyond your control. You feel the sting of it. You hold another arrow in your hand. It’s made up of your judgment for being hit with the first one. “I’m so dumb,” you think to yourself. … Read more

Are you thinking about facilitating employee feedback training at your organization, either leading it yourself or bringing an external expert? Fantastic. It may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your career. For your company, it’s also one of the most important. As Dr. Angela Duckworth, psychology professor, MacArthur “genius” grant recipient, and author … Read more

Summary. Performative feedback occurs when the feedback giver, receiver, or seeker “performs” their role based on role expectations or ulterior motives rather than authenticity and a genuine desire to help or improve. This article examines where performative feedback communication arises and strategies for moving towards more authentic feedback communication. Where performative feedback occurs Feedback givers … Read more