Author: Juli Shulem
We all end up needing to have an Uncomfortable Conversations. We may have to share with someone our unmet expectations, disappointment, or actual annoyance. This could be with a direct report, our boss, a peer, a spouse, or maybe even a child. No one likes these situations, but we must deal with them appropriately in […]
We all end up needing to have an Uncomfortable Conversations. We may have to share with someone our unmet expectations, disappointment, or actual annoyance. This could be with a direct report, our boss, a peer, a spouse, or maybe even a child. No one likes these situations, but we must deal with them appropriately in order to address the issue at hand.
The “Sandwich Approach” concept isn’t new, but it might be new to you. It’s best used when you want to express your opinion, and deliver bad or ‘less than stellar’ news. It’s simple and based in psychology: It starts with a positive comment, then the ‘icky part/negative’ goes in the middle, followed by another positive point.
This technique can be a great way to express yourself without upsetting the other person as much through Uncomfortable Conversations. There are actually good and bad times to use this technique. It could backfire, for example, when giving feedback, particularly with direct reports. This article from Harvard Business Review explains how NOT to use the sandwich approach.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE
When used at the right time, it can be wonderful. Consider you need to express your feelings about a recent work re-org. You can start by saying how much you respect the company and the people you work with (positive part of the sandwich).
Next you need to share the negative, or not-so-great part of your job: the area that is upsetting or not going well (the negative, or main part of the sandwich). Lastly, end on a positive note.
This helps deliver ‘less than glowing’ news by sandwiching it with very positive comments. Be authentic – and plan ahead what you need to say so it comes out as you wish. This prevents the receiver from becoming defensive.
If you are someone who shuns from speaking up and sharing your honest feelings – this approach might be a useful one for you.
This is not to say that every situation benefits from this approach. Sometimes a very direct comment is the best way to communicate – but when it is not – this approach can offer an effective way to share what is on your mind for an Uncomfortable Conversations.
Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Twitter
Author Profile
The articles, video and images embedded on these pages are from various speakers and talent.
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.
As Covid has made it’s away around the globe it’s brought steep challenges and tremendous loss with it as It Is What It Is from Niki Seberini. Having said that, we must also acknowledge it’s gifted us with lessons in resilience, unconventional connections and a need to recalibrate both our internal and external compass. We […]
Everyone these days seems to have a plan or AI SHOULD CHANGE, Or at least, they plan to mention it as often as possible in press releases and briefings to analysts. Paying lip service to AI is a dangerous distraction and a missed opportunity. A few may be fooled for a while – but unless […]
The pandemic may be easing up in many parts of the world, but its effects will forever shape how we live, work and shop so here are 3 Strategies to Reach Post-COVID Customers The past two years have brought unbelievable challenges and changes. Throughout the uncertainty, people have evaluated their priorities and lifestyles. A full 50% […]
THE STRUGGLE OF ALL SALESPEOPLE, UNDERSTANDING THE MONEY VALUE Here’s what you should know about salespeople, and really people in general. They don’t struggle with time management, they struggle with self-management. You can’t manage time, time ticks whether we want to or not. Here’s why we struggle with self-management In the absence of a clearly […]
Do You Have Blinders On? | Confirmation Bias is a term we’ve heard a lot over the last few years as science has become a debate topic and you hear qualified experts providing completely opposite interpretations on the same topic. But what role does it play in your life if you aren’t doing studies and […]
I’m not going to pretend that this is easy stuff for Second Best, especially given all the uncertainty in the world. Over the course of the last three weeks, as corporate America has made the transition from meetings in conference rooms and common spaces to Zoom calls and other online sessions, I’m struck by the […]
The old saying, “What got you here won’t get you there,” applies as a Skill You Need to Master to your professional life today. The world is quickly changing as well as the competitive landscape. Whether you are running a business or trying to increase your career equity, ramping up your skill set is important. […]
Odds are good that you’re doing 10 SMALL THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T SWEAT AT WORK things to proactively manage how you present yourself at work: writing concise emails, speaking up in meetings, and trying not to make your sentences sound like questions. But when you’re in the first phases of your career, sometimes understanding office etiquette […]
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME
