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5 min Work Beginner

Soften feedback without watering it down

The problem: You need to tell someone their work has a problem. Your draft is either too harsh, or so gentle the point disappears.

Do this

  1. Write the feedback the blunt way first. Leave out names if you like.
  2. Paste it into the prompt with who it’s for and the change you need.
  3. Check that the rewrite still names the problem and the change.

Copy-paste

Rewrite this feedback so it's kind but still clear. Who it's for: [e.g. coworker / someone I manage / a friend helping with a project] My blunt version: [PASTE] The one change I need: [WHAT SHOULD BE DIFFERENT NEXT TIME] Rules: - Keep the actual problem. Don't hide it inside compliments. - Describe the work, not the person. - One specific example, one clear request, and an offer of help if it fits. - Under 120 words, plain language. Then tell me in one line what you softened and what you kept.

Done when: Your version names the problem and the change, and you’d be OK hearing it yourself.

Tip: Saying it in person? Reply “Turn this into 3 short sentences I can say out loud.”

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