Your article reminds me of the Radical Candour model by Kim Scott, and how difficult it can be to avoid giving honest, productive feedback. But what I appreciate about your strategies here is that it highlights that we as the feedback requesters also have a role to play in how we elicit that meaningful feedback. It makes me think about the notion of enabling that 'permission' (by being specific and direct) for people to feel comfortable providing honest feedback.
Thank you, Scott! Honestly, I wanted the focus to be more on how we, as the person requesting feedback, have more control over the process than we realize. Based on who we ask, and how we ask them. Thanks for suggesting the radical candor model!
Mack, this piece is a treasure trove of wisdom. The Trafalgar example brilliantly illustrates the power of reframing questions to elicit more honest responses. Your insights on seeking advice instead of feedback resonate deeply—it's a nuanced approach that fosters genuine dialogue.
The idea of a weekly subscriber chat is intriguing. It could serve as a dynamic space for shared learning and support. Count me in for further discussions on this!
Feedback is tough Mack. How you ask for it makes a huge difference and so does how ready you are to hear what comes back. Sometimes it won’t be what you hoped for. That’s why how you phrase your request can help soften the blow. What’s not helpful? Vague praise with no substance. As uncomfortable as criticism might be, it’s far more useful than empty compliments. At least that is my 2 cents :)
Thank you, Bette! I agree, feedback is tough, you have to know the person you are asking and if they can give you honest feedback. But to your larger point, you also need to know yourself and if you can accept honest feedback! I’ll be honest sometimes I can, I suspect most people are the same way. Looking forward to Thursday!
Great tips here, Mack. 👍 Giving people a less direct way to comment works really well for people who want to be nice. Or posting something wrong and waiting to be corrected for people who don't mind disagreeing.
I chose no to chat but really I wanted to choose maybe - because I don't really know how the chat is supposed to work. I haven't cracked it as a writer or reader yet!🤔
This reminds me of the 'veiled truth' phenomenon where people disclose more when they think they're describing someone else's experience rather than their own.
The political polling example shows how indirect questioning can surface hidden truths. I've noticed this too when gathering feedback - asking "What would make this stronger?" often yields better insights than "What's wrong with this?" It removes the perceived confrontation of criticism.
Ohhhh 'wrong answer' baiting is a good tactic.
I've seen this work brilliantly in tech communities where posting an incorrect solution triggers dozens of corrections within minutes.
Looking forward to your collaboration with Bette on Thursday :)
Your article reminds me of the Radical Candour model by Kim Scott, and how difficult it can be to avoid giving honest, productive feedback. But what I appreciate about your strategies here is that it highlights that we as the feedback requesters also have a role to play in how we elicit that meaningful feedback. It makes me think about the notion of enabling that 'permission' (by being specific and direct) for people to feel comfortable providing honest feedback.
Great thoughts!
Thank you, Scott! Honestly, I wanted the focus to be more on how we, as the person requesting feedback, have more control over the process than we realize. Based on who we ask, and how we ask them. Thanks for suggesting the radical candor model!
Mack, this piece is a treasure trove of wisdom. The Trafalgar example brilliantly illustrates the power of reframing questions to elicit more honest responses. Your insights on seeking advice instead of feedback resonate deeply—it's a nuanced approach that fosters genuine dialogue.
The idea of a weekly subscriber chat is intriguing. It could serve as a dynamic space for shared learning and support. Count me in for further discussions on this!
Feedback is tough Mack. How you ask for it makes a huge difference and so does how ready you are to hear what comes back. Sometimes it won’t be what you hoped for. That’s why how you phrase your request can help soften the blow. What’s not helpful? Vague praise with no substance. As uncomfortable as criticism might be, it’s far more useful than empty compliments. At least that is my 2 cents :)
Thank you, Bette! I agree, feedback is tough, you have to know the person you are asking and if they can give you honest feedback. But to your larger point, you also need to know yourself and if you can accept honest feedback! I’ll be honest sometimes I can, I suspect most people are the same way. Looking forward to Thursday!
Me too! When I do guest posts, it’s the only time I get my writing done by Tuesday! lol
Great tips here, Mack. 👍 Giving people a less direct way to comment works really well for people who want to be nice. Or posting something wrong and waiting to be corrected for people who don't mind disagreeing.
I chose no to chat but really I wanted to choose maybe - because I don't really know how the chat is supposed to work. I haven't cracked it as a writer or reader yet!🤔
This reminds me of the 'veiled truth' phenomenon where people disclose more when they think they're describing someone else's experience rather than their own.
The political polling example shows how indirect questioning can surface hidden truths. I've noticed this too when gathering feedback - asking "What would make this stronger?" often yields better insights than "What's wrong with this?" It removes the perceived confrontation of criticism.
Ohhhh 'wrong answer' baiting is a good tactic.
I've seen this work brilliantly in tech communities where posting an incorrect solution triggers dozens of corrections within minutes.
Looking forward to your collaboration with Bette on Thursday :)
Happy Tuesday bro