Ask How They Think It Went Before You Tell Them

When a colleague you're assisting has just completed their first design review, it's helpful to approach the feedback process with a specific strategy. Instead of immediately stating your three points, start by asking them how they think the review went. This soft opening can save you from having to deliver points that they may already acknowledge themselves. Most individuals will likely say they rambled at the beginning, allowing you to agree with them and possibly add a detail without needing to go through your list.

This approach not only makes the feedback stick better as it comes from the individual's own perspective, but it also gives you insight into what they are genuinely concerned about. They might be worried about an aspect you didn't notice as prominently, and by addressing this early on, you can better tailor your feedback. If they are overly critical of themselves, your role becomes about reconciling their self-perception with the reality of the situation.

After gathering their thoughts, listen to their entire answer without interrupting. This ensures you understand their full perspective before moving on to your list of suggestions. Ask one follow-up question: "What would you do differently next time?" Once they've finished, only then add any additional points you noticed and keep them brief.

It's crucial to end by agreeing together on a single action to take next time, focusing on something they can realistically implement on the day. This method, while taking a bit more time than simply telling someone how they did, proves valuable as it fosters a feeling of growth and improvement in the individual, rather than simply grading their performance.