Feedback Immunity
Erikson recommends adapting feedback to the recipient’s communication preferences. The aim is to make a specific concern understandable and discuss change; a color label does not ensure that feedback will be accepted.
THE IDEA
Feedback Immunity
Erikson uses his color framework to discuss why people may resist positive or negative feedback and how a different approach may help them listen. He focuses on negative feedback because it can be difficult to deliver and receive.
The practical aim is to explain the concern clearly and agree on what needs to change. The examples distinguish concise, direct feedback from feedback supported by written detail. Preferences should be checked with the person rather than inferred solely from a label.
The supplied excerpt introduces the topic but does not include the detailed methods it promises.
When to use it
A manager providing constructive criticism during a performance review.
A team member giving feedback on a colleague's project work.
A parent helping a child improve a skill by adapting their tone and examples.
A teacher adapting examples, timing, and opportunities for questions when giving feedback on an assignment.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Giving negative feedback to a 'Red' personality
A manager needs to tell a direct and assertive employee (Red) that their report had errors. The manager should be straightforward, concise, and focus on facts and solutions, avoiding excessive emotional language.
Giving negative feedback to a 'Blue' personality
A teacher needs to provide constructive criticism to a detail-oriented and analytical student (Blue). The teacher should present data and logical reasoning, allow time for processing, and avoid abruptness.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a feedback conversation that went poorly. What did the recipient need to understand, and how could you have checked which approach would help?
What color do you think you are, and how might that affect how you receive feedback?
For someone you often give feedback to, what have you observed about how they respond to examples, timing, and tone? What could you ask rather than assume?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)