When Feedback Becomes Personal

Feedback should always be about behavior and impact, never about character or personality. This lesson covers the line between productive feedback and personal attacks.

Compare "You are lazy" with "I noticed you missed the last three deadlines." The first is a character judgment; the second is a factual observation that opens a productive conversation.

If you notice your feedback becoming personal or emotional, pause the conversation. It is better to reschedule than to say something damaging in the heat of the moment.