Rethinking Effective Employee Feedback: Stop using the shit sandwich

Are you striving to enhance your managerial skills? It's time to reconsider your feedback approach and steer clear of the ineffective "Shit Sandwich" technique. Discover why this method falls short and explore a more authentic and impactful alternative.

In a recent conversation, a friend mentioned employing the Shit Sandwich method for delivering feedback. If you're unfamiliar with it, the Shit Sandwich involves presenting feedback in a "good-bad-good" sequence, a concept popularized by the classic management book, The One Minute Manager. It entails beginning with a positive aspect, followed by the critique or feedback (the "critical filling"), and concluding with another positive comment.

My friend and I engaged in a discussion on this technique. Our perspectives diverged, with me asserting that the Shit Sandwich approach lacks efficacy.

At first glance, the technique appears promising. Commending someone for their strengths is important, and offering positive reinforcement is always valuable. Moreover, having a structured framework for delivering challenging feedback can be comforting, especially in awkward situations where delivering unwelcome news is unavoidable.

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Why does it backfire?

However, the Shit Sandwich can have unintended negative consequences. Here's why it often backfires:

1. It’s predictable: Many individuals have encountered the Shit Sandwich technique before, making it a predictable format. Attempting to soften the impact of negative feedback with compliments on either end can come across as insincere.
2. It isn’t authentic: The predictability and formulaic nature of the technique can lead recipients to question the authenticity of the positive remarks. Such skepticism may cause the recipient to dismiss the genuine compliments as obligatory niceties.
3. It’s focused on the negatives: Paradoxically, knowing that negative feedback is imminent often causes individuals to fixate on the criticism rather than the positive comments. The contrived "good stuff" tends to lose significance when surrounded by negative aspects.

In reality, the Shit Sandwich doesn't promote comfort for the recipient; it simply cushions the discomfort of the messenger. No one wants to be perceived as the bearer of bad news or an unsympathetic leader. The practice of sandwiching criticism between positive remarks is primarily aimed at easing the messenger's discomfort.

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What’s good practices for feedback?

In contrast, there are more constructive ways to provide honest feedback that fosters growth and connection. Here are four practices that effective managers employ when delivering candid feedback:

1. Directness with Compassion: Embrace straightforwardness, ensuring your feedback is communicated clearly and empathetically.
2. Active Listening: Prioritize active listening during feedback conversations, allowing your employees to express their perspective and concerns.
3. Frequent Check-ins: Regularly engage in one-on-one discussions to provide ongoing guidance and celebrate achievements.
4. Growth Mindset: Cultivate a growth-oriented environment where feedback is viewed as an opportunity for improvement, not as an indictment of competence.

Remember, there's no need to resort to ineffective and outdated tactics. Not every “age old” method is actually any good. Overcome your own vanity, embrace a sincere and open approach to feedback, so you can foster trust, enhance communication, and truly empower your team to thrive. Say goodbye to "shit sandwiches" and usher in a new era of meaningful connections through authentic feedback.