Providing feedback, especially critical feedback, can be challenging. Many managers fear causing hurt feelings or lowering productivity, which leads them to use face-saving techniques like the “praise sandwich.” However, this approach often dilutes the message and reduces its impact.

Effective feedback requires a bold mindset and a better approach; one rooted in thoughtful questions, problem-solving, and a commitment to progress.

1. Ask Hero Questions

Encourage self-reflection and personal development by prompting employees to assess their own contributions:

• What have you learned about yourself from working on this project?
• What strengths have you found most useful on this project?
• Who have you recently helped, and what difference did it make in their work and yours?

2. Diagnose Challenges

Uncover barriers to success by guiding the conversation toward discovery and resolution:

• What outcome are you trying to achieve?
• What is happening? Why do you think it’s happening?
• What have you tried so far? How have you handled similar challenges in the past?
• Have you attempted to resolve this challenge? What happened as a result?

3. Shape the Path Forward

Once challenges are identified, guide your team toward actionable steps and solutions:

• How do you think you’ll act on this?
• What is holding you back from achieving your goals?
• What would happen if you tried this?
• How can I help you recreate the conditions of your success?

The Power of Thoughtful Feedback

By replacing generic feedback with purposeful dialogue, managers can inspire growth, foster accountability, and strengthen trust. Asking the right questions and diagnosing challenges creates opportunities for meaningful change while shaping a clear path forward ensures sustained progress.

^{_{Adapted: Harvard Business Review}}