Open feedback systems

Open feedback systems thrive on structured approaches that maintain psychological safety while delivering clear messages. The Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) model provides a reliable framework that removes judgment and focuses on growth-oriented discussions.

The SBI model breaks feedback into 3 distinct components:

• Start by describing the specific situation — the when and where of the event. For example, "In this morning's team meeting..."
• Next comes behavior, focusing solely on observable actions without interpretation or judgment. For example, "You interrupted Alex 3 times while they were explaining their project challenges..."
• The final step addresses impact, explaining how the behavior affected others, the team, or business outcomes. For example, "This prevented us from fully understanding the project risks, and Alex appeared hesitant to share further details."

This systematic approach helps separate facts from emotions and keeps feedback constructive.

Additionally, regular feedback rhythms help normalize the practice and reduce anxiety around these conversations. You might implement weekly check-ins, monthly retrospectives, or quarterly reviews, each serving different purposes in the feedback ecosystem. The key lies in making feedback a routine part of work rather than a rare, stress-inducing event.