Degrees of Truth in Feedback

For the scenario described below, consider the appropriateness of the feedback examples provided.

Jack and Rachel have been carpooling for about a year. Although they do not socialize much outside of work (nor interact much at work), they have a very friendly relationship during the half hour or so when they are together each morning and each evening. Jack thinks of Rachel as a friend, and apparently Rachel feels the same way, as they often share insights about how they feel about their jobs, families, etc. Jack sees Rachel as a nice person, though perhaps overly rigid about how other people look at the world. Rachel has often said that she feels that her boss “doesn’t treat her like someone who is being considered for promotion to a supervisory job.” She asks Jack “do you see me as supervisor material?

Assignment

Critique each of the following responses Jack might give in terms of the guidelines for useful interaction. Be prepared to share your ideas with the class.

1. Hey, I think you would make a great supervisor. I’m sure it would be a challenge to anyone, but you’d do just fine. Why don’t you go in there and tell your boss that you want to know when you are going to be promoted?

2. I really don’t know. If you’re not happy now, you should certainly give it a try. But don’t worry about it until you have to cross that bridge, though.

3. Look, Rachel, I’m your friend, so I’ll tell you straight. You’re too neurotic about things. People don’t like the way you come on strong all the time. Nobody’s going to understand where you’re coming from like I do because they don’t spend the time with you that I do.

4. I think I would feel comfortable working for you. Just this afternoon I’ve given my opinion about the merger and about the NAFTA decision and you didn’t try to tell me I was wrong about either, even though you obviously disagree. But I must admit that you didn’t ask for my opinion about either one.

5. Well, I think you sometimes seem a bit opinionated. Of course everyone usually has opinions, and yours are probably as good as anyone’s. But maybe you’d be better off if on occasion you would ask for other people’s opinions more.