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.
Having the right mentors will help you immensely on your path to pursuing your dreams and goals, Have you got a mentor? But there are some specific rules you should follow when finding the right mentor. Y ou can’t simply pick anyone to provide you with good advice and support. Here are my six key […]
Some companies perceive the concept of creating a “Personal Branding at work” to be self-serving for the employee. But the reality is there is no downside to having team members with heightened self-awareness and a willingness to improve themselves. Basically, that is the foundation for developing a respected Personal Brand at work; to get clarity […]
Care About and Challenge Each Other – The Two Keys to Team Performance I’ve been a part of lots of teams, in sports and business, and over the past 20 years I’ve had a chance to work with many high-performing teams, at companies like Google, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Schwab, eBay, and others. I’ve also studied […]
Be Unique, be YOU, nobody can be YOU…and so we hear these quotes daily, but what does it really mean to Embrace your Authenticity? Many years ago I attended a conference and the theme was Be different and show up as YOU. For me, at that point in my life, it was a no-brainer of […]
Lift as You Rise is Bonang Mohale’s book, published during his tenure as CEO of Business Leadership South Africa. He is a highly respected South African businessman, who is known as much for his patriotism and his active role in seeking to advance his country’s interests as for the leading role he has played in […]
Virtual Programming: Let TV personality and online content wiz Tan France help you Boost Your Business In his new Facebook Watch show Boost My Business, TV personality and entrepreneur TAN FRANCE aims to help businesses recover, thrive in a new normal, and embrace digital tools to connect to their online communities. In each episode, Tan meets with small […]
WHAT MAKES A WINNING TEAM: 4 key lessons from the lion pride and the victorious 2019 RWC Springbok rugby team It was an exceptional result that captivated a nation. One year ago this November South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks, lifted the Webb-Ellis trophy into the Yokohama sky, winners of the 2019 Rugby World […]
I promised that I would unpack my personal Habits That Help You Thrive! and give you examples of my high value, low value and time stealer habits. Keep reading to get insights into: My top 5 high-value habits Examples of each habit category High-value habits that you can add Low-value habits that can be transformed […]
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME
