Informal feedback operating system

The question it helps answer

Use the informal feedback operating system to organise the reasoning behind this question: How can frequent, specific feedback become a normal part of work rather than an annual event? The working view makes principles, moments, and prompts visible so discussion can move from general opinion to a specific action or decision.

When to use it

Use the informal feedback operating system when people working on feedback and performance are using different mental models for principles, moments, and prompts, and that difference is changing choices or coordination.

What it is

The informal feedback operating system is a set of connected concepts for examining one situation from several necessary angles. Its core working elements are principles, moments, prompts, and channels. Those elements belong together because each changes how the others should be interpreted or acted on.

Core elements

Principles

Define the standard before judging the work, and make each criterion specific enough for two reviewers to apply consistently. Within the informal feedback operating system, connect this entry to moments so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Moments

Capture moments only at the level needed to answer: How can frequent, specific feedback become a normal part of work rather than an annual event? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the informal feedback operating system, connect this entry to prompts so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Prompts

Capture prompts only at the level needed to answer: How can frequent, specific feedback become a normal part of work rather than an annual event? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the informal feedback operating system, connect this entry to channels so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Channels

Match the message, level of detail, channel, sender, timing, and feedback path to the audience and consequence. Within the informal feedback operating system, connect this entry to manager habits so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Manager habits

Capture manager habits only at the level needed to answer: How can frequent, specific feedback become a normal part of work rather than an annual event? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the informal feedback operating system, connect this entry to peer feedback so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Peer feedback

Capture peer feedback only at the level needed to answer: How can frequent, specific feedback become a normal part of work rather than an annual event? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the informal feedback operating system, connect this entry to safety so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Safety

Capture safety only at the level needed to answer: How can frequent, specific feedback become a normal part of work rather than an annual event? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the informal feedback operating system, connect this entry to reinforcement so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.

Reinforcement

Capture reinforcement only at the level needed to answer: How can frequent, specific feedback become a normal part of work rather than an annual event? Use observable evidence, name any unresolved judgment, and state what action or choice this entry can change. Within the informal feedback operating system, connect this entry to safety so the relationship can be reviewed rather than inferred.