hamburger method

Definition

A feedback technique where criticism is sandwiched between two compliments, creating a positivity-negativity-positivity structure. It's the culinary approach to telling someone they're failing, though most employees can smell the BS from a mile away.

Example Usage

My manager used the hamburger method in my review: 'You're punctual, your work is consistently subpar, but you have a great attitude!'

Origin

Management training programs from the 1980s-1990s, also called the 'feedback sandwich'

Fun Fact

Research shows the hamburger method is actually less effective than direct feedback because employees focus on the positive parts and ignore the criticism—or worse, distrust all feedback as manipulation.

Source: Management training terminology

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