The Sandwich Method

If I misled you into coming here looking for food, I apologize. But now that you're here, you might as well stay. I have something for you that may just fill the bowels of your soul. 




Rather than the art of placing condiments between two slices of bread, the Sandwich Method refers to the invaluable skill of tactful criticism. 


Criticism is a big word with big consequences. Criticism is capable of destroying friendships, severing business dealings and putting an end to one beautiful romance after another. 

Nevertheless, I'm sure that we all can agree on one point - sometimes criticism is necessary (with the qualification that many of us need to be aware that we are quick to point out the splinter in our brother's eye but slow to realize that we have a plank in our own).






Presenting, yet another one of mankind's greatest secrets...






The Sandwich Method


Illustration 1


Take the following exchange between Cornelius and Bertha for example. Let's assume that Cornelius is the manager of Corny Corn Cobs and Bertha is his branch supervisor. He needs to criticize her on her lack of customer service skills:


Cornelius: Bertha! You're looking radiant today. I need to speak to you for a minute if you have the time. [compliment]


Bertha: *swoon* Anytime, boss.


Cornelius: Alright Bertha. First of all, I want to compliment you on the great job you've done managing the staff at this Corny Corn Cobs branch. The team always arrives on time and serves cobs of corn in ways that almost make us seem un-corny. [compliment]


Bertha: *twinkle*


Cornelius: You deserve 5 stars for that. But you know what would get you 5 and a half stars?


Bertha: Oh, do tell!


Cornelius: Your performance would be even better if you would continue increasing your effort in attending to our customers. I know you've put in a lot of effort relating to and anticipating our customers' needs. If you keep that up and continue building relationships with our regulars and being observant to their needs, I'm telling you - the sky's the limit! [aptly phrased criticism]


Bertha: Ooo wow that's actually a great idea!


Cornelius: No, hiring you - a supervisor who's willing to accept feedback and who's eager to improve, was the great idea *smirk*. Now I'll let you get back to your duties. Keep up the swell work! [compliment]












The latter conversation may have been slightly exaggerated, but the point of the illustration is to show that criticism is most effective when its put forward as disguised encouragement. Human nature (specifically our inbuilt ego) dictates that we reject outright criticism but are always very eager to lap up praise and encouragement.


The sandwich method works by subtly injecting criticism in between layers of complimentary remarks, to make the criticism extremely easy to digest. Using positive phrases like "I know you've put in effort in (the said point Bertha needs to improve on)" also subconsciously brainwashes motivates Bertha by subtly sowing the seeds of initiative in areas where she may have been severely lacking in before.








Illustration 2


Contrast the latter to outright smack-in-the-face criticism:


Cornelius: Big Bertha, come here. What in the world do you think you're doing? Why aren't you making the effort to talk to our regular customers and attend to their needs? I didn't hire you to just make sure the team comes on time and does un-corny things for goodness sake. You're a supervisor and that includes supervising our customers' needs. Now get your Big Bertha Butt out there! [criticism, more criticism and possibly sexual harassment]


Bertha: My Big Bertha what??






In essence, Cornelius is telling Big Bertha the same thing in Illustrations 1 and 2 (with the exception that she has a huge arse in Illustration 2). Nevertheless, the choice of words and tone in illustration 1 clearly makes a dramatic difference. Not only is Bertha's ego left unscathed, she now is increasingly motivated and eager to please a superior whom she has earned even more respect for. Of course, there will always be exceptions, but for the vast majority of individuals, the Sandwich Method can do wonders.




Thank you for reading. Good night, and good luck.