Giving Difficult Feedback (SBI Model)
Designed for First-time Managers & Team Leads to spark real collaboration and high-energy learning.
The audience is highly anxious about sounding bossy, micro-managing, or ruining existing friendships with their team members.
Silent Scenario Prediction: Friend or Foe?
Kick off with a private prediction game: Managers see a tricky feedback scenario and silently guess if the team member will see them as bossy, helpful, or micro-managing. Reveal the real reaction later.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Creating a curiosity gap sparks interest and lowers anxiety since no one risks being wrong publicly. It builds anticipation for the real answer, opening minds to new perspectives.
Myth Smash: Feedback Fears Unmasked
Expose common myths about giving feedback using real statements. Have everyone vote thumbs up or down (or digital poll) before revealing the truth.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Uncovering misconceptions helps participants confront hidden fears head-on, setting the stage for learning and correcting mistakes without embarrassment.
Private SBI Draft: Low-Risk Entry
Everyone privately drafts an SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) feedback message on a realistic scenario. No sharing yet. Then, a pair comparison reveals different styles.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Starting with a private task gives anxious participants a safe first step, then comparing drafts in pairs builds confidence and exposes creative differences.
Rapid Reaction: Bossy or Bold?
Create a fast-paced reaction round. Show several feedback examples—some bossy, some constructive—and let the room vote or react instantly which is which.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Instant voting keeps energy high, taps social momentum, and quickly surfaces hidden hesitation about what ‘bossy’ sounds like versus effective feedback.
Tough Trade-off: Friendship or Feedback?
Present a dilemma: Your teammate, who’s also your friend, keeps missing deadlines. Give two realistic choices, and ask everyone to commit privately before a group debate.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Making a tough private choice, then discussing as a group, encourages honest reflection and lively debate on real-world trade-offs managers face.
Impact Reflection: Your SBI ‘Ripple Effect’
Have participants actively map the possible ripple effects of giving—or not giving—difficult feedback using the SBI model. Connect it to real stake: project success, team trust, career growth.
Tap to view the full activity.
Why this works
Linking the learning to personal and professional outcomes makes the skill meaningful and helps participants internalize why feedback matters, not just how to do it.
Sign up to unlock 3 more activities
Get the full pack, facilitation flow, and more ready-to-run ideas.