The Five R's of Feedback: A Blueprint for Personal and Team Growth

A five-step approach to turn a thorny experience into blooming success

Feedback is a vital nutrient that helps teams grow in the right direction. As the late CEO of Zappos, Tony Hsieh, once said, the role of a leader is to be the architect of the greenhouse. Leaders shouldn’t tell each plant how to grow but create an environment in which they can flourish on their own.

But here's the rub: Just as gardening requires knowledge and skill, so does giving and receiving feedback. It can be uncomfortable, sometimes contentious, and if not done right, it can do more harm than good — like overwatering a plant or exposing it to too much sunlight.

I’m thrilled to share the five-step feedback framework I use with my clients. It boosts team members' ability to give and receive feedback more effectively. Mastering each step is vital to nurture a culture of continuous learning.

The 5 R’s Feedback Model

The 5 R’s Feedback Model includes five steps: Request, Receive, Reflect, Respond, and Resolve. Let's review each step and learn how to use them, whether you're giving or rec…