Sandwich Feedback Model / Hamburger Model [Steps & Examples]

The sandwich feedback model is very popular. What are the steps of this hamburger model? This article will teach you how, along with two powerful examples of how to give feedback.

A simple model that everyone forgets to apply …

The sandwich feedback model is childishly simple and yet many people forget to apply it. You regularly receive feedback that is more like criticism, no matter how well-intentioned the person in question means.

In this article we will take you by the hand to apply this properly. You also get a more advanced model once you have mastered the sandwich well.

What is the hamburger model, or the sandwich feedback model?

The sandwich feedback technique is a popular three-step procedure for providing corrective feedback. The sandwich feedback method starts with praise, followed by corrective feedback, followed by more praise. In other words, the sandwich feedback method consists of dispensing corrective feedback that is “clamped” between two layers of praise.

The alleged benefits of the sandwich feedback

The benefits of this technique are twofold: (1) it mitigates the impact of the criticism or corrective feedback and (2) since a manager is likely to be more comfortable praising the employee, the manager finds it easier to discuss issues. to make.

The steps of the hamburger model

How exactly does this method work?

1. Start with something positive

State something positive about what you are giving feedback on.

2. Explain what could be improved

Give a recommendation to improve something.

3. End with something positive

End your feedback with something more positive.

Sandwich Feedback: Example 1

Suppose Andy, a new employee of a financial services company, has completed a week-long off-site training program in Rotterdam. Every night during his stay at a hotel, Andy bought movies on demand in his room. He included the associated 65 euros in costs in his expense report. Andy also dined in very expensive restaurants and he claimed all that.

Jean, Andy’s manager, received the expense report for approval. Obviously, purchasing the films cannot be justified as being relevant to the work. Jean uses the sandwich feedback technique to refuse to pay the reimbursement for these costs and to instruct Andy to be more careful about costs while traveling from now on:

Praise: “Andy, I have been impressed with your development since you joined my team last month. You have used the skills you learned during your training in New York to systematically audit our clients’ accounts.

Point for improvement:  “And earlier this morning I looked at the expense report for your trip to Rotterdam. I see that 65 euros is being charged for on-demand films. I have to refuse to reimburse this expense because it has no business justification. I also have noticed that you have declared very expensive meals. This time I will approve these costs. Given our limited travel budgets, I would ask you to be more careful with your travel costs from now on. You are probably not aware of our company’s travel policy. Human Resources asked to provide you with a copy of our travel policy booklet that describes acceptable expense reporting practices.

Praise: “I am happy that you were able to use the skills you learned during this training in Rotterdam. I appreciate your hard work and persistence with this client. Keep up the good work”.

Sandwich Feedback: Example 2

Suppose Bram led a brainstorming session for an important project. As is often the case, Bram did not send the agendas before the meetings started. After such a meeting, Bram’s manager uses the sandwich feedback technique to convince him to be more organized:

Praise: “Bram, we had a very productive meeting. We had the right participants and collected all the necessary input from other departments. Thank you for your coordination.”

Point for improvement: “Did you notice that the discussions were not systematic? If you do not distribute an agenda prior to the meeting, the participants will not arrive prepared. During the meeting they have to return to their desk to gather information. In addition, we tend to spend a lot of time. spend time deviating from meeting goals. How can you avoid this in the future? “

Praise: “You are doing so well collecting all the input. I welcome your dedication in distributing the minutes of your meetings and following up on the action points.”

The more advanced Sandwich Feedback Model

Have you already mastered this principle and are you ready to learn to give really ingenious feedback? Check out this article for all steps of the advanced feedback model!