Providing feedback & coaching
Anticipate the response: a 4-quadrant feedback framework
Anticipate the response: a 4-quadrant feedback framework
5 minutes
Think of feedback through a four-quadrant matrix:
How to apply it
1
Identify the quadrant
Before giving feedback, ask: Is this positive or negative? Will it be expected or unexpected?
2
Adapt your approach
Positive / Expected: Reinforce and celebrate. Ask how they can use this strength elsewhere.
Negative / Expected: Be empathetic. Explore what they’ve tried, then co-design next steps.
Positive / Unexpected: Shine a light on it. Help them see the strength and encourage them to build on it.
Negative / Unexpected: Go slow. Provide context, invite reflection, and support them through the surprise.
Negative / Expected: Be empathetic. Explore what they’ve tried, then co-design next steps.
Positive / Unexpected: Shine a light on it. Help them see the strength and encourage them to build on it.
Negative / Unexpected: Go slow. Provide context, invite reflection, and support them through the surprise.
3
Use questions to open dialogue
For example:
“What have you already tried in this area?”
“Why do you think this feedback feels unexpected?”
“How could you use this as an opportunity to grow?”
“What have you already tried in this area?”
“Why do you think this feedback feels unexpected?”
“How could you use this as an opportunity to grow?”
4
Spot patterns over time
If most feedback is “unexpected negative,” expectations may be unclear. If there’s little “unexpected positive,” strengths might not be fully recognised.
by
Hellomonday