The Perfect Feedback Framework That Doesn’t Piss People Off

Feedback like “that looks like s!%&” rarely works — unless you’re Elon Musk.

Most people are controlled by their emotions and take things personally. One of the best ways to achieve great feedback is with the like-wish-wonder framework.

Use the framework to give direct feedback to a person or group. You can also use it to solicit feedback from a group by having them answer questions and statements.

Here’s how it works:

I like X.

I like is the starting point of what went well or something positive about an idea/project/task/etc.

“I like the design.”

“I like your confidence.”

I wish Y.

I wish is the starting point for what could be done differently or improved.

“I wish it matched our brand colors.”

“I wish you didn’t sound like you’re reading from a script.”

I wonder if Z.

I wonder is the starting point for unanswered questions and ideas.

“I wonder what it would look like if you included some smiling faces.”