Found a note from my kid that made me rethink how I give feedback on rough drafts

My 10 year old left a sticky note on my laptop that said 'please don't just say it's fine, tell me what's actually wrong.' Stung a bit because I realized I do that exact thing when critiquing other people's writing here sometimes. I've been on both sides now as the person getting too little feedback and the person giving it. Is it better to be super specific even if it might hurt a little, or keep it vague and nice?

2 comments

2 Comments

julia_hayes7d ago

Vague feedback just leaves people guessing at what to fix next time.

mason.mary7d ago

Same thing happens with scheduling. Tell someone "try harder" on timing and they still show up late next week. Be specific, say "be here at 7:45, not 8", and suddenly it clicks. Vague words just waste everyone's time.