Why “be more proactive” isn’t feedback
Labels like “be more proactive” sound like clear direction. But unless the person can picture what to do differently, they have nothing to act on.
THE QUICK ANSWER
Instead of saying “be more proactive”, name the behaviour you want to see, for example: “I’d like you to flag blockers before standup.” Labels sound like direction, but the person has no idea what to do differently tomorrow. Swap the label for one observable behaviour. If they cannot picture it, they cannot do it.
GO DEEPER
The gap between a label and a behaviour
Words like “proactive”, “confident” or “strategic” are easy to reach for when giving feedback. They capture a general impression, and to the person giving them they feel specific enough. They also feel kinder than pointing to a particular moment that went wrong.
But a label leaves the other person guessing. “Be more proactive” could mean speaking up in meetings, sending updates without being asked or taking on new work. They may nod, try something different, and still miss what you meant. Then both of you end up frustrated that nothing seems to have changed.
The fix is to swap the label for one observable behaviour. Instead of “be more proactive”, say “I’d like you to flag blockers before standup.” Now the person knows exactly what to do differently tomorrow, and you will both be able to see whether it is happening. If they cannot picture it, they cannot do it.
A useful test before you give feedback is to ask yourself what you would actually see if the change happened. If you cannot answer, you are not ready to give the feedback yet. Keep it to one behaviour at a time, so the person has a clear place to start rather than a vague list to worry about.
KEY TAKEAWAY
A label is not feedback until it becomes a behaviour. Tell people one observable thing you want them to do.
TEST YOURSELF
You want a team member to be more proactive. According to the video, what is the most useful way to say it?
PRACTISE IT
Try this lesson in the arcade
Quick retro games that start with this lesson’s situations. One thumb, one to three minutes, free.
