Is Your Feedback Constructive Or Critical?

Is Your Feedback Constructive Or Critical?
by Barbara Brown, Ph.D.

Effective constructive feedback leads to performance improvements. Use this quiz to see how effective you are.

Scoring:

3 = All of the time
2 = Most of the time
1 = Now and then
0 = Never

When delivering criticism…

1. ______ I specify the concrete actions I want stopped, started, or improved.

2. ______ I discuss “one” specific problem at a time rather than discussing multiple problems.

3. ______ I make comments that emphasize my belief that the other person can make improvements.

4. ______ I do so immediately following the inappropriate action.

5. ______ I describe the specific time, place, and action where the problem occurred.

6. ______ I do so in private.

7. ______ I avoid using the “You did good, BUT!” technique.

8. ______ I avoid using the “Sandwich” technique: Praise, Criticism, Praise.

9. ______ I apply the “4-S” technique: State the problem. State what needs to happen to correct the problem. State the positive impact of this correction. State your confidence in the other person’s ability to make the correction.

10. ______ I am certain the other person possessed the required skills to do the job.

11. ______ I am certain the other person had the resources, tools, equipment, and/or information to do the job.

12. ______ I am certain the other person was advised of performance standards or expectations.

Scoring Results:

24 to 36 You do an excellent job of giving constructive criticism.

12 to 23 You do an adequate job of giving constructive criticism.

0 to 11 You do an inadequate job of giving constructive criticism.

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