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Feedback

Feedback is observable behavior + impact, aimed at improving work and relationships—not venting.

SBI formula

LetterMeaningExample
SSituation“In yesterday’s review”
BBehavior“You interrupted Alex twice”
IImpact“They stopped contributing; we missed input”

Add Request: “Next time could we let them finish? You can say ‘Adding one point…’”

Praise specifically too

WeakStrong
“Good job”“Your risk table saved us a round-trip—thank you”
“You’re reliable”“You synced progress before the deadline—I could sleep”

Specific praise reinforces behavior, not vague trait labels.

Receiving feedback: three steps

  1. Listen: no instant defense; “Thanks—I’ll think on that.”
  2. Clarify: “Do you mean X or Y?” “What would good look like?”
  3. Commit: “I’ll do A; I can’t do B because ___; alternative C.”

Async written feedback

Good for time zones, paper trails, slightly heated moments.

【Situation】…
【Behavior】…
【Impact】…
【Request / proposal】…
【Optional: my next step】…

Before send: any “always/never”? Can you swap one behavior instance?

Pre-send checklist

  • Intent is improvement, not punishment
  • Behavior is observable and changeable
  • Private > public; calm > mid-fight
  • Ready to hear their feedback too

Work extensions