Have you heard of the Culture Code from author, Daniel Coyle?
In his publication, he shares "secrets" of highly successful groups and provides leaders with tools to help them build a cohesive and motivated culture.
With regard to the "feedback sandwich" (the idea of communicating areas of concern by leading with a positive, sharing the "constructive" comment, then closing with a positive statement), I prefer Coyle's suggestion which invites leaders to leverage a sentence that often makes feedback even more effective.
EXAMPLE:
"I'm giving you these comments because I have very high expectations and I know that you can reach them."
This sentence is effective because it signals three key things to the employee including (1) you are part of this group; and this group is special and (3) we have higher standards and I believe you can reach those standards.
No manipulation, just clear and direct feedback - delivered inside a message of connection, belonging, and trust.
Do you agree that while it may not always be easy to share all feedback, most appreciate the knowledge and when presented with a heart of service, they respect the person who provides it?