In last week’s blog, we discussed difficult conversations at work. Today, we are going to focus on a tool which helps give you a framework for starting that convo and offering feedback. Created by the Center for Creative Leadership, the SBI Feedback Tool offers a simple structure that you can utilize straightaway.
- Situation
Puts the feedback in context by attaching it to a time, place, or specific circumstance
For example: “During yesterday’s lab meeting, when you asked me for an update on my project…”
- Behavior
Describe what you observed and clearly state the observable action
For example: “During yesterday’s lab meeting, when you asked me for an update on my project, you interrupted and contradicted me three times…”
- Impact
Outlines the feeling and thoughts which happened as a result
For example: “During yesterday’s lab meeting, when you asked me for an update on my project, you interrupted and contradicted me three times. I felt I wasn’t given a chance to properly give an overview of my work and I was embarrassed in front of my lab-mates.”
Once you have given your feedback, be sure to allow the person time to comprehend what you have said. It is important to give the individual a chance to respond and you should check in with them by asking “
How do you feel about this feedback? Is there anything you don’t agree with or that I missed?” Be sure to then offer specific suggestions that would help avoid conflict in future scenarios.
For example: “Can we meet one-on-one to discuss your concerns with my work? Then, can we find time next week for me to present all of my data to the rest of the lab?” It is not enough to go into a conversation to just complain about what happened. Try to move the conversation into a more action-oriented and solution-focused approach.
The final step in this feedback scaffold is to summarize and express support. An example of how this might look with this particular scenario is:
“I appreciate your willingness to review my project on Monday and it sounds like we are going to try again at next Thursday’s lab meeting.”
Conflict can be especially taxing when it is with your boss. Try your best to understand their preferred method in dealing with these issues and approach it in a way that will enhance their openness to hearing your feedback. It can help if you frame the problem in a work productivity way. For example:
“I have found that I work best when X and I feel that putting Y system into place will help with my work flow. Would this work with you?” 
