All lives can’t matter until black lives matter. (2025)

Engaged Feedback Checklist

I’m all about collaboration, and a big part of collaboration is giving good feedback.

Whether in your business life, personal life, or that gray area in-between, this helpful checklist of reminders from researcher-storyteller Brené Brown will help you determine if you’re really ready to participate.

The Engaged Feedback Checklist

from Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

I know I’m ready to give feedback when:

  • I’m ready to sit next to you rather than across from you.
  • I’m willing to put the problem in front of us rather than between us (or sliding it toward you).
  • I’m ready to listen, ask questions, and accept that I may not fully understand the issue.
  • I want to acknowledge what you do well instead of picking apart your mistakes.
  • I recognize your strengths and how you can use them to address your challenges.
  • I can hold you accountable without shaming or blaming you.
  • I’m willing to own my part.
  • I can genuinely thank you for your efforts rather than criticize you for your failings.
  • I can talk about how resolving these challenges will lead to your growth and opportunity.
  • I can model the vulnerability and openness that I expect to see from you.

Before you have that next meeting take a moment to look over this list and I bet it will improve experience. And why not share it with the person you’re about to meet with, too?


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Earlier Post: Easing into a Responsive Design Workflow

Later Post: You, Me, and Data Backup

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