Why the Compliment Sandwich Might Be Outdated: A Fresh Take on Feedback

Ever Heard of the Compliment Sandwich?

Most of us have probably been told about the **compliment sandwich**—you know, where you start with a compliment, tuck in a criticism, and finish with another compliment. It’s meant to soften the blow and make feedback easier to digest. But recent research from the University of Western Ontario suggests that this classic method might not be as effective as once thought.

The Research Behind It

This study shows that the compliment sandwich can actually be counterproductive. It can lead to confusion and resentment. When we layer feedback in this way, the main message—the criticism—can get lost in the fluff. People might focus more on the compliments and miss the essential feedback that they're supposed to learn from.

But Why Does It Matter?

Imagine receiving feedback on a project. You hear how great your design looked, then you get told the concept wasn’t right, and finally, you’re praised again. If you’re like many, you'd probably leave the conversation feeling a bit confused. Was it a good or bad review? You might even feel like the compliments were just there to soften the criticism.

How to Give Better Feedback

So, what can we do instead? The idea is to separate the compliments from the critique, making it clear where you stand. Here are a few tips:

• Be Direct: Start with the main point. If something didn’t work, say it outright.
• Follow Up with Specifics: Offer actionable advice on what could be improved.
• End on a Positive Note: You're still human! Acknowledge what was done well, but do it separately from the critique.

It’s About Clarity

The goal of feedback should always be to help someone improve. By being clear and concise, you create more accountability and understanding. Plus, it opens a dialogue where the person receiving feedback can ask questions or express their thoughts.

In Conclusion

While the **compliment sandwich** has been a popular tool for years, it may be time for a rethink. Let’s bring clarity and straightforwardness back into our conversations. After all, honest feedback can be the best gift we offer to others and ourselves.

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