Feedback is easier to use when it distinguishes a preference from a problem.

GRATITUDE

WHAT THIS MEANS

Not every reaction is a fault report. Some notes describe a taste, some describe something that will genuinely fail, and when both arrive in the same tone the receiver has to guess which is which. Guessing badly means either rebuilding for one person’s taste or ignoring a real defect. Saying which kind you are giving costs a sentence and saves an afternoon.

Label your next round of comments as you write them, one mark for what matters and another for how you would have done it. When receiving, ask outright which notes are optional.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Which of your critiques is really just personal taste?

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