5 Steps to a Successful
Feedback Conversation
5 Steps to a Successful
Feedback Conversation
Canva | 2025
Embedded Files
Feedback Conversation
Audience: Managers with less than 3 years of experience
Responsibilities: Instructional design, content development, visual design, information architecture
Tools Used: Canva
THE PROBLEM
New managers often struggle to deliver effective feedback conversations. Without a clear framework, they may avoid feedback entirely, provide vague comments that don't drive improvement, or fail to create actionable next steps. This impacts employee development, team performance, and manager confidence. Managers need a simple, repeatable process they can reference in the moment to structure productive feedback conversations.
THE SOLUTION
This one-page job aid provides managers with a structured framework for planning, conducting, and documenting feedback conversations. Using the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) model as the foundation, the guide walks managers through five sequential steps: Prepare, Observe, Deliver, Listen, and Agree. Each step includes guiding questions and fillable prompts that help managers prepare before the conversation and document commitments afterward.
The design prioritizes usability and quick reference. Managers can use this tool to prepare their talking points, bring it into the conversation as a reference, and use the fill-in sections to capture next steps and follow-up dates.
DESIGN APPROACH
I designed this job aid to provide new managers with a quick, actionable framework they could reference before, during, and after feedback conversations. The goal was to reduce the cognitive load of delivering feedback by providing clear structure without overwhelming managers with too much information.
Key Design Features:
Single-page format → All content fits on one page for easy printing, saving, or viewing on a mobile device without scrolling
Sequential numbered steps → Five clearly defined phases guide managers through the entire conversation from preparation to follow-up
Fillable prompts with pencil icons → Writable spaces encourage active preparation rather than passive reading, turning the job aid into a working document
SBI model integration → The "Deliver" step incorporates the proven Situation-Behavior-Impact framework to help managers structure clear, specific feedback
Alternating color blocks → Blue and gray sections create visual rhythm and help managers quickly locate specific steps during the conversation
Guiding questions throughout → Each step includes 2-3 reflection questions to scaffold managers' thinking and ensure thorough preparation
A-Lamhing-Job-Aid 5-Step-Framework-for-Managers.pdfPage updated
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