How do you use the sandwich method to structure your feedback?

Otherwise known as a sh*t sandwich. Remember to be specific about the praise and the critique. As with any feedback using behavioural observations as well as the impact can help deepen the learning.

I would be very sceptical about this method: it devalues and dilutes the two positive statements with the sh*t component in the middle.

The sandwich method to me is an amateur way of giving feedback. If you are just about to learn how to give feedback, perhaps this method will provide you with basic guidelines. But to say it is effective, I doubt it. The sandwich method is simply focusing on the positive, the actual feedback, and closing it with another positive remark. It meant that people wouldn't feel hurt by our feedback. To me, the effectiveness of feedback depends on the ability of someone to communicate. If you are a good communicator, you can send the message without using feedback. What is more important is you tell the message straight to the point, so that the other party gets the point.

Sounds nice - but has three dramatically negative effects: 1. An intelligent and empathetic person will immediately see through the scam - and hardly take the praise seriously. 2. If you are not familiar with the sandwich method and suffer from selective perception, you may not even notice the criticism with so much make-up. 3. Used too often, the sandwich criticism can trigger Pavlovian reflexes and fears every time you want to say something nice. Result: Your counterpart expects the criticism ("Where is the real criticism in this statement?").

Let's change the question to "Why not to use sandwich method?" Because it sugarcoats too much of the actual 'meat' that we are about to deliver to the person. Than the person won't be able to taste the meat. Rather they will be diluted with the 'bread' and 'lettuce' plus 'sauces' instead. It is important to build rapport and establish trust before we give feedback. And analyze whether the person is ready to receive feedback. To me, if the person doesn't want to listen to our feedback, just simply don't give it.

Don't use this method. Period. We know from research that people either 1. Only hear the praise Or 2. Amplify the critic Instead use a method that start with a positive, expands to include some enhancement that you want to see, and conclude with clear expectations for the future iteration. In other words PEE on them instead of feeding the the inedible s#!+ Sandwich this article is proposing. And what's best about the PEE method is that when you pee uphill it trickles back down. Which means it can be used with a boss as much as with a colleague or follower. 😁

One thing I have learned from using this feedback method is it has to be genuine. You cannot go guns ablazing with providing this feedback if you are insincere. Get to know your people and spend time with them. It makes providing the sandwich feedback method easier and more natural. Of course some people say this is a horrible way to provide feedback if they are not doing it naturally. When it occurs genuinely, the person that is on the receiving end never knows it happens.

As with all skills mastery, practice makes perfect and fortunately, the sandwich method is one which can be easily build into your day-to-day conversations. Giving feedback is a daily occurrence for most of us; be it to your family, friends or at work. Cultivate a habit of using this as your default framework to formulate your feedback and it will soon become second nature. One thing I found useful to do at the start is to consciously share with others how you are applying this method and why.

The best way I figured how to use this effectively was by practicing with my family. It comes out genuine and sincere. You become more of a ninja when you practice everyday! We are only human and practice makes perfect.