Use the Word “bye” to Give More Constructive Negative Email Feedback
It’s not always easy to give someone negative feedback, especially if you need to do so via email. If you can’t explain your review in person, this one little word will help you not sound too harsh.
When you write an e-mail with feedback, Jocelyn K. Gley, author of ” The refusal of the subscription: how to get rid of anxiety by e-mail, not to be distracted and to start the real work” , recommends the use of the word “yet” when possible. Gley explains in the Harvard Business Review :
Notice the difference between saying, ” These designs are not where I want them to be . “ In contrast to saying, ” These designs are not where I want them to be . “ As psychologist Carol Dweck argued, adding this tiny word puts the recipient on a learning and achievement timeline, rather than making them feel like a failure.
“Yet” maintains a focus on the future and progress. It also suggests that you care about their growth as much as you care about the work they do. You avoid unnecessary criticism, and this prevents your interlocutor from defending himself or feeling defeated.
How to Leave Negative Email Feedback | Harvard Business Review