How to Use the Feedback Matrix

Welcome to Mind Tools' video learning series.

How good are you at receiving feedback?

Maybe you struggle to accept criticism, and get defensive or try to blame others for the problem.

Or do you distrust positive feedback, and assume that your manager is "just being polite"?

Your emotional response to feedback may prevent you from using it effectively.

The Feedback Matrix is a tool for overcoming these types of reactions, so that you can apply the feedback and make positive changes to your performance or behavior.

The matrix is a simple four-quadrant grid that refers to the different types of feedback.

Positive and expected feedback is nice to hear, but most people do nothing with it!

Use praise as a chance to celebrate your achievements, but also ask yourself how you can use the skills being praised to boost your own productivity, or to support a weaker co-worker.

Negative and expected feedback focuses on areas for improvement that you’re already aware of.

To apply this feedback effectively, ask yourself, "What have I already done to address this?" "What else needs to change?" and "How will my job be affected if I don’t change?"

Feedback that falls into the positive and unexpected quadrant can be a wonderful surprise.

But it’s important to consider why it came as a surprise. Why did you overlook this particular strength? Think about how you could use this newly discovered skill to improve your work.

Finally, feedback that is negative and unexpected is often the hardest to hear. You likely won’t want to acknowledge it, or may not be prepared to face it. But it can be an important source of self-discovery.

Be inquisitive. Do you need any further information? What support or training would help you to improve? In the short-term, think about what smaller, more achievable changes you could make.

As a manager, you can also use these categories to inform the feedback you give to others.

To learn more about the Feedback Matrix, see the article that accompanies this video.