01 Dec One sentence can help you turn critical feedback into a crazy effective motivational tool

There is good feedback and then there is GOOD feedback.

We’ve all seen the ways feedback can backfire: It can come too late, hit someone’s trigger, or miss the mark entirely. Before we dive into the juicy, research-backed sentence, let’s be clear: There are no silver bullets in the business of managing people. What worked in the past can fall on its face with spectacular gusto. Still, it’s good to know when certain things DO work so you can dig in to the “why” of them.

Get to the “why” and you can take that lesson and make your own.

Your way. Your words. So it fits. So you can lead from a place of integrity. Because pretty words and tactics only get you so far if they don’t ring true… and these days peoples’ bullshit detectors are always on (and set to 11).

Depending on your approach, you can cut someone wide open or gently and firmly guide them down a better path. Extraordinary leaders do the latter. If you want to be great at feedback, it’s key to understand what we’re really talking about isn’t metrics or product quality…we’re talking about vulnerability (on both sides).

Great feedback makes people feel safe in a place of exposure.

What if a whole lot of psychology, human nature, and key signals could be distilled down into 19 little words? What if a single sentence in your feedback could seriously boost team productivity and work quality by at least 40%?

That sentence has a lot to say.
As a leader of people, you’d be down-right crazy to ignore it.

Turns out there was a pretty significant study by a team of psychologists from Yale, Stanford, and Columbia (an all-star team of brain geeks if there ever was one) that found an insanely effective sentence that they dubbed “Wise” feedback.

In the study, middle school teachers worked with students on essay writing. Different types of feedback conditions were given to the students. Then the results were measured.

Simple enough.
What was surprising, was the massive impact of one.

With the wise feedback sentence students jumped up at least 40% in productivity and achievement compared to other students.

Wise feedback’s impact was even more pronounced with minority students: 64% of black students revised their essays, vs 27% of black students with the standard conditions. On top of that, 88% of their scores went up after revisions were made, versus 34% of grades in the standard situations.

THE TAKEAWAY: Not only does this work as a powerful people motivator, individuals who likely feel marginalized or undervalued will respond even more strongly to this feedback approach.

 

Here’s the magical sentence:

I’m giving you these comments because I have very high expectations and I know that you can reach them.

Let’s dig into WHY this simple sentence is such an effective motivator. If you break it down, it’s loaded with cues of belonging and safety. Our subconscious & conscious brain latches on to those cues.

What people hear is:

1. I care. I believe in you.
2. It’s safe to try. You are part of this group.
3. This group is special. You are special.
AND
4. I value your growth. 

These messages help people to face the exposure of falling short, of not hitting expectations, and then trying again…often with MORE enthusiasm.

After all, who doesn’t want to belong or excel? Wise feedback connects with that core need, provides positive reinforcement, and then nudges people to dig deeper.

Having someone in their corner, even when that person is offering tough feedback, is a powerful thing. Your belief in your team can completely change the dynamic from something painful or disheartening into a demonstration of trust + support + an opportunity to grow.

All in one simple sentence. It isn’t magic, but it feels a lot like it.

Now that you know how wise feedback works, you can follow its lead. 
Your way. Your words. So it fits.