Stop serving the compliment sandwich. Startups vs incumbents in the AI era. Play long-term games with long-term people.

I always felt lost in translation with the sandwich technique and that perfectly describes it I wonder if it is more about creating a culture where there is encouragement overall and trust is built so when the meat comes it has been already breaded by the culture! Maybe it is more a Schnitzel than a sandwich?!?!

Roberto Ferraro, there are some valid points. And as in all negotiations (because feedback is a form of negotiation),... it's a really good idea to set the stage BEFORE the conversation happens, e.g. by ensuring there is a decent level of trust in the relationship and ideally in the entire team. If managers are generally transparent in their communication, then they will have it easier being transparent in a feedback conversation. The right language is also key: Avoid making it personal or judgmental. Instead, focus on facts (as far as available), examples, and the situation at hand. This helps avoid that the person receiving feedback feels pushed into the defensive. For a formal feedback situation, like an annual review, will bear no surprises if frequent informal feedback has been provided. There's a lot more to this... I do believe that the sandwich method can be helpful, as appreciation is also critical (piece 1 of the bun) and the second piece of the bun can be used to create a basis for positive change (action steps, what's needed or offered for improvement, etc.).

I just finished a leadership program by Right Management and we were taught the WIN feedback model. What is the situation, what was the impact and what are the next steps. I think the most important influential aspect to remember is that we are all human and considering the following prior to having a feedback conversation is pivotal to the success of the outcome. 1. Are they in a "space" where they can receive feedback. 2. When delivering the feedback is it being delivered with neutrality (physical location, method of delivery, etc.) 3. What is the current type of relationship you have with that individual. 4. Intent of the messaging. 5. Understand that as the individual giving the feedback that the desired outcome or next steps of the receiver may vary from the original expected outcome. 6. Let the conversation flow natural. 7. Remember to display EMPATHY

haha , I love this ! Thank you for allowing me here :)

I read another nice example about it in "The Culture Map". A French woman traveled to the US. After working there for a few months she received a feedback from her manager. He used the sandwich technique, which is quite popular in the US. But in France feedback is given in the direct way. So she was extremely surprise with another feedback she got 3 months later where her manager said that she didn't improve. Because she never heard the "meat" part of the sandwich. ?? Just the first bread slice. Roberto Ferraro PS: when I hear the sandwich technique used on me, I genuinely feel like the right part on your illustration. Maybe it's cultural.