THAT’S NOT HOW WE GIVE FEEDBACK IN THIS COMPANY

The young man, slim-fitting suit and brown leather shoes, was nodding at the older woman opposite. In turn she was reading aloud from an A4 notepad. Both were sipping from oversized Starbucks’ coffee mugs, earnest looks on their faces. Occasionally the man made notes on his own A4 pad.

“So Mark, just one final point in your appraisal,” said the woman.

Mark nodded vigorously; keen to lean.

“When talking to your team, you can’t tell them that they’re cunts, and then be nice to them. It’s fine to tell them they’re cunts but it’s just giving them a mixed message if you’re then nice to them. That’s not how we give feedback in this company”

Mark nodded and made a note.