How to give feedback without hearsay

Short answer: say “I noticed you cut Alex off twice today. I'd want to know if it were me.”

DON'T SAY
“Some people have been saying…”
SAY THIS
“I noticed you cut Alex off twice today. I'd want to know if it were me.”
Speaking for yourself is fairer and more credible than hearsay.

When to use it

Use it when you want to address behavior you've seen yourself. Speak for yourself and describe exactly what happened. Unnamed “people” make the other person defensive and curious about who; your own observation is fair and specific.

Example

You: “I noticed you cut Alex off twice today. I'd want to know if it were me.”

Colleague: “Oh. I didn't realize. Thanks for telling me.”

In an email or Slack message

Say this one privately, in person or on a call. In writing, direct feedback can read harsher than intended.

Quick drill

Whenever someone does something you want to see again.

Which sounds more confident?

Practice 10 more →

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