Incompetent bosses give feedback like a cat coughs up a hairball.
How to Give Ridiculous Feedback
#1. Give Tumbleweed Compliments:
Blow through the room with vague praise: “You’re doing good. What is it you do again?”
Treat people like an afterthought or an inconvenience.
#2. Use the Feedback Sandwich
Start with a compliment. Slide in criticism. End with fluff. The feedback sandwich is full of bologna. You waste affirmations and dilute feedback.
Let praise stand on its own. Same for critique.
#3. Beat Around the Bush
Burn up minutes warming up. Squeeze in weak feedback. Leave no time for a path forward.
Spend more time crafting development plans than dodging honesty.
#4. The Accidental Roast
“That report was not as bad as usual.”
You meant to encourage. They feel burned.
#5. Predict a Vague Apocalypse
“Things aren’t looking good. You need to elevate our game.”
What game? What’s not good? Are we talking about effort, attitude, or office ping pong?
#6. Fire Up the Fog Machine
“I’ve heard concerns. Can’t say who. Or what. Or when.”
Nothing kills morale faster than mystery complaints from someone you work with.
#7. Deliver an Inspirational Jab
“You have so much potential. You’re just not living up to it.”
Thank you for pointing out my untapped greatness. And punching me in the face.
Bottom Line:
Incompetent bosses give feedback that’s vague, late, or buried in fluff.
Pro Tip: Do the opposite. Be clear. Be curious. Be kind.
And for heaven’s sake, remember a boss’s words drop like hammers.
Read this to improve your feedback: How Powerful Feedback Really Works
What’s the worst feedback you have received?
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