Beware of the Sh#t Sandwich!

If you’ve ever attended a management communication workshop, you may have come across the concept of the “feedback sandwich.”

At INTERACT, we refer to it as the “Sh#t Sandwich.”

The idea behind this technique is that when giving constructive feedback, managers should sandwich the criticism between two pieces of positive feedback: start with some praise, then provide the critical feedback, and finish with more praise. The rationale is that people are more likely to accept negative feedback when it is accompanied by an acknowledgment of what they are doing well.

However, the sh#t sandwich has several significant problems. Once employees catch on to this method, they might begin anticipating criticism every time a conversation opens with praise. This can make the praise itself seem insincere or even insulting—like hiding a pill in a piece of sausage to trick a dog into swallowing it.

Additionally, this approach can dilute the manager’s actual message, watering down the critical feedback. Many managers also worry so much about being tactful that they end up being unclear, leaving them frustrated when their feedback doesn't have the desired effect. Consequently, employees miss out on crucial messages about what needs to change.

As a corporate role-play actor, I often encounter managers who express frustration about an employee's behaviour, believing they have been direct about the issue. Yet, when I inquired about what they actually said, it turned out they were not direct at all.

By promoting the sandwich technique, we reinforce a culture where criticism is something to be avoided. In reality, managers need to view it as a normal and less emotionally charged part of their relationships with employees. This will encourage them to provide feedback more frequently and transparently.

At INTERACT, we teach managers to normalize feedback—making it a regular aspect of their conversations with employees. This approach does require more effort, and it does not have a catchy name like the “feedback sandwich.” However, it will significantly reduce the awkwardness and tension in these discussions and increase the likelihood that the feedback will be understood and retained.

If you’d like to know more, please contact us for a chat.

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