How to give feedback

I have been using the perfection game since 2003/2004. I find it one of the better ways to give feedback to people. (It’s also one of the most popular searched item on my blog.)

The biggest feedback I got, is that he perfection game makes people think of perfectionism. Which is not the intention. I know that perfectionism blocks people. I don’t want this link block people from trying this feedback technique.

So I ‘m starting an experiment.

For the next months, I will talk about:the improvement game.

this is the syntax:

I want play an improvement game on what you did.

What I like:

– I liked x
– I liked y
– I find z amazing

To make it even better/ What would improve it:

– I would like to see W
– I think removing A would be a good addition

~~(These changes are worth 3out of 10 for me.)~~

The improvement game is based on the perfection game. Part of the Core Protocols.

Update: I stopped using the scoring, I noticed that it keeps confusing people. I did some experiments with ways how people can talk about the value the improvements give them. I concluded, I don’t worry too much about what it’s worth the me. The most important part is telling people idea’s on how to improve. It’s then up to the receiver to decide what parts to adres and what not.

15 comments on “How to give feedback”

2011-03-15 at 11:50 am

ToF says:

Hi Yves,
Will you explain “My improvments are worth 3 out of 10” ?
What’s the meaning conveyed to the receiver of the improvment game ?

2011-03-15 at 11:57 am

yhanoulle says:

hello Christophe,

Good catch. It means actually the opposite of the Perfection game. So giving a 3 in an imporvement game is the same as giving a 7 in the perfection game.

Will you do a improvement game of the improvement game? 😉

2011-03-15 at 12:40 pm

ToF says:

yes,
this is an improvement game on your improvement game protocol
What I like about it is:
– it focuses on things to keep and things to add to the improved product, not on negative aspects
– it involves the improver in adding value to the product, not on criticizing it as it is
– the steps are clear
What I would like to see improved:
– replace “what you did” with “your product/service/work” or “XXX”
– replace “what I would like to see improved” with “What would improve it”
– remove the notation part
OR make it explicitely express the quantity of improvments the improver will suggest to the product (as in PG)
OR use statements instead of a value “I have minor improvment”, “I have some improvements”, “I have many improvements”
– have the notation part expressed before the “what I like” and “what would improve” parts
– add notes and commitments to the syntax part in the description of the protocol
My improvements are worth 5 out of 10 for me.

2011-03-15 at 8:46 pm

Tim Bailen says:

I have some ideas.

I like ToF’s idea: “use statements instead of a value “I have minor improvment”, “I have some improvements”, “I have many improvements””

I really like how you added “I find z amazing” to the “what I like” section. It helps rigid people see that you can put some heart into what you’re saying and not be stuck to the “I like x, I like y, I like z” format.

I like that you are experimenting with a different name to see if it will work better for people. What would improve it even more is to use a stronger word than “improvement”, since a booted team is not merely seeking the attainment of improvements, but the attainment of greatness.

2011-03-15 at 8:59 pm
yhanoulle says:
Hi Tim,

Glad you like Christophe’s ideas.
You talk about booted teams. My experiment is for non booted teams.
It’s not my intention to change anything to bootcamp.
y
Reply

2011-03-17 at 10:52 pm

Michael Sahota says:

Great invention! “Improvement” is much more engaging and positive term than “Perfection”. In Lean we dream of perfection, but we improve our current situation. Love it.

Here is an alternate wording that might work better:
What I like:
To make even better:
These changes are worth /10 for me