From Inc · · 1m 20s
Melinda French Gates Gives Critical Feedback Within 48 Hours
Melinda French Gates shares her 48-hour rule for giving constructive feedback to employees.
In brief
Melinda French Gates shares her 48-hour rule for giving constructive feedback to employees. Melinda French Gates gives critical feedback within 48 hours to avoid employee anxiety and ensure clear performance expectations. Originally reported by Inc.
Quick answers
- Why 48 Hours?
- Her rule avoids leaving employees anxious about performance reviews and ensures they know their work was good.
- What is the key takeaway from Melinda French Gates Gives Critical Feedback Within 48 Hours?
- Melinda French Gates gives critical feedback within 48 hours to avoid employee anxiety and ensure clear performance expectations.
Melinda French Gates' 48-Hour Feedback Rule
Melinda French Gates gives critical feedback within 48 hours to employees to balance candor with restraint.
“Being clear is kind because I’m giving them feedback so they can actually grow and become better.”
Why 48 Hours?
Her rule avoids leaving employees anxious about performance reviews and ensures they know their work was good.
“You’re not going to get to your performance review and have a surprise.”
Avoiding Frustration
She waits to give feedback when calm to prevent lashing out, unlike many male tech executives.
“This differs from many male tech executives, including French Gates’s former husband, who are known for having very aggressive approaches to conflict.”
Bill Gates' Email Style
Bill Gates sent employees harsh emails like 'This is the stupidest piece of code ever written' at two in the morning.
“This is the stupidest piece of code ever written”
Jeff Bezos' Confrontational Tone
Jeff Bezos allegedly threw jabs at workers including 'Are you lazy or just incompetent?' and 'If I hear that idea again, I’m gonna have to kill myself.'
“Are you lazy or just incompetent?”
Ray Dalio's Approach
Ray Dalio champions 'constructive disagreement' with spontaneous, unvarnished criticisms.
“constructive disagreement”
Contrasting Styles
French Gates’ method contrasts with Dalio’s approach to avoid conflict and ensure thoughtful feedback.
“This approach is the polar opposite of French Gates’s strategy to not give feedback when she’s angry and to instead wait and reflect.”
Why This Matters
Her 48-hour rule helps women in leadership handle conflict with employees effectively.
“Melinda French Gate’s approach to a gentle but firm feedback style highlights the struggle faced by women in leadership roles to handle conflict with employees.”
The main idea
Melinda French Gates gives critical feedback within 48 hours to avoid employee anxiety and ensure clear performance expectations.
