How to Deliver Critical Feedback Without Triggering Defensiveness
The 'feedback sandwich' (compliment, critique, compliment) confuses employees and diminishes trust. Master the Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) framework to deliver clear, empathetic course-corrections.
The Friction
Managers avoid delivering critical feedback for weeks because they fear emotional tears, angry defensiveness, or employee disengagement. When feedback is delayed, minor bad habits turn into major performance crises.
Why the 'Feedback Sandwich' Fails
Starting with fake praise makes employees anxious because they are waiting for the 'but'. Deliver feedback directly within the first 60 seconds of the meeting.
The Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) Script
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
The 2-Minute Practice Drill
Practice delivering tough feedback in Dehurdle against an AI direct report persona who gets defensive and blames other team members.
Follow Dehurdle on Google
Add Dehurdle to your Google Preferred Sources to see our playbooks in your AI Overviews and Google Search.