Providing feedback & coaching
Don’t let feedback fizzle: Follow-up guide
Don’t let feedback fizzle: Follow-up guide
6 minutes
Here are 8 practical steps to master follow-up after a tough feedback conversation, with sample phrases you could use:
1
Reflect on the last conversation
What was said, how it was received, and what emotions surfaced.
2
Give a heads-up
Let them know you’d like to revisit the topic so they feel prepared, not blindsided.
3
Choose the right moment and medium
Aim for real-time dialogue to read reactions and clarify in the moment.
4
Show appreciation first
Acknowledge their courage in re-engaging after a tough conversation.
For example: "I know our last discussion wasn’t easy, and I appreciate your openness to continue it.”
For example: "I know our last discussion wasn’t easy, and I appreciate your openness to continue it.”
5
Recap briefly, then move forward
Summarise the key point, then focus on progress and next steps.
For example: “When we spoke last time, we agreed on clearer weekly updates. I’ve noticed you’ve started sharing them, which is great. Let’s talk about how to keep building on that.”
For example: “When we spoke last time, we agreed on clearer weekly updates. I’ve noticed you’ve started sharing them, which is great. Let’s talk about how to keep building on that.”
6
Be results-oriented
Reconfirm agreements in clear, outcome-focused terms.
For example: “Just to confirm, you’ll provide the status report each Friday afternoon. That way we both have visibility and can address issues early.”
For example: “Just to confirm, you’ll provide the status report each Friday afternoon. That way we both have visibility and can address issues early.”
7
Invite their feedback
Ask how they experienced your feedback and how you can make it more useful.
For example: “How did the last feedback conversation land with you? Is there anything I could do differently to make it more effective?”
For example: “How did the last feedback conversation land with you? Is there anything I could do differently to make it more effective?”
8
Show empathy and support
Stand by your feedback, while demonstrating care and commitment to their growth.
“I know it wasn’t easy to hear, and I can see the effort you’ve put in. I’m here to support you as you keep making these changes stick.”
“I know it wasn’t easy to hear, and I can see the effort you’ve put in. I’m here to support you as you keep making these changes stick.”
by
Hellomonday