Unlocking Feedback: 19 Words for Success
Feedback—the double-edged sword of leadership! It can either slice through barriers to growth or leave a trail of defensiveness. Wharton professor Adam Grant with has a 19-word formula that turns feedback into a growth-fuelled superpower: "I'm giving you these comments because I have very high expectations, and I’m confident that you can reach them."
Why These Words Work
Growth-Focused Framing: These words flip the script from criticism to opportunity. They tell your team, "I believe in you," turning feedback into a confidence booster. By framing feedback as a tool for growth, you shift the focus from what’s wrong to what’s possible, encouraging a positive reception.
Trust Building: Starting with trust and belief lowers defences, making feedback easier to digest and act upon. When people feel trusted and valued, they’re more open to hearing what they can improve. This approach fosters a supportive environment where feedback is seen as a gift rather than a threat.
Growth Mindset Promotion: By setting high expectations, you signal that improvement is possible and expected, aligning with a growth mindset. This mindset encourages continuous learning and development, helping individuals see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to avoid.
Putting the 19 Words to Work
Set Clear Expectations: Communicate high expectations from the get-go. Make sure your team knows you believe in their potential. Regularly express this confidence so that when feedback is necessary, it’s part of an ongoing narrative of support and development.
Be Specific: Follow up with concrete examples and actionable advice. Show them the path to meeting those high expectations. Specificity helps individuals understand exactly what they need to work on and how they can improve, making the feedback more effective.
Balance Feedback: Mix positive reinforcement with constructive criticism, always tying it back to their ability to meet expectations. Highlight what they’re doing well before addressing areas for improvement, ensuring that feedback is balanced and constructive.
Avoid These Pitfalls
Don’t Overuse: Keep it genuine. Tailor your approach to each individual and situation. Overusing the formula can make it seem insincere, so personalise your delivery to maintain authenticity.
Follow Up: Feedback is just the start. Offer ongoing support and mentorship. Ensure that there are opportunities for follow-up discussions, coaching, or mentorship to support the individual’s progress and reinforce the feedback given.
Align Expectations: Be sincere. If expectations aren’t genuinely high, this approach could backfire. Misalignment between words and actual beliefs can damage trust, so ensure your feedback is honest and reflective of your true expectations.
Cultivating a Feedback Culture
By weaving the 19-word formula into your leadership style, you create a culture where feedback is a stepping stone to greatness. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it—with intention, purpose, and a genuine desire for growth. Let’s turn feedback into the fuel that powers your team to new heights!
Creating a feedback culture that empowers, develops, and encourages your team to reach their full potential is the ultimate goal. Effective feedback isn’t just about delivering comments; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and motivated to grow.
