We’ve all been there: you send off a finished task, wait for a response, and all you get back is… “Looks good.” That’s not feedback. That’s a polite shrug. And if you’re building brands (like us), polite shrugs don’t keep the lights on.
Feedback, when done right, isn’t about flattery or nitpicking—it’s about actually helping each other move forward without driving blind.
What Is Feedback?
At its core, feedback is information that says:
- Yes, keep doing that.
- Nope, let’s adjust this.
- Next time, try this instead.
Anything else? Noise.
Types of Feedback (And Why They Matter)
- Affirming Feedback
- Translation: “You’re not wasting your time, keep going.”
- Example: “This design nails our vibe—keep it.”
- Redirecting Feedback
- Translation: “Nice try, but pivot before it’s too late.”
- Example: “The colors feel more funeral home than fresh brand. Let’s brighten this up.”
- Developmental Feedback
- Translation: “Here’s how to level up next time.”
- Example: “Let’s add a mobile preview step to avoid last-minute chaos.”
Best Practices (AKA The Golden Rules)
- Be Timely: If feedback arrives after the launch? Congrats, it’s now just an opinion.
- Be Specific: “I don’t like it” is not helpful. What don’t you like?
- Be Balanced: If you only ever point out flaws, you’re not a critic—you’re a hater.
Closing Thought
Feedback is the compass, not the hammer. Use it to steer, not smash.
