Unwrapping Purple Pens: How to Deliver Feedback that can be Received
“Feedback is a gift,” they say.
Sometimes we receive the gift and use it every day. Sometimes we pull it out when the giver visits, and other gifts quickly go in the donate pile because regifting is out of the question.
Effective feedback is as much about its substance as its delivery. The OILS Framework sets a practical model for feedback’s substance.
Delivering feedback should feel like purple ink rather than the red pen that reminds us of school papers. Red indicates “incorrect,” whereas feedback is meant to coach, redirect and guide. While strength varies – from lavender to plum, feedback is only worthwhile if it is can be received.
What does purple pen feedback look like?
Multiply the Good: Focus on the top one or two elements that will elevate the work as a whole rather than nitpicking the details
Recommend: Nudge an idea rather than dictate it, so that it becomes the originator’s decision to take pride in.
Sprinkle in Kudos: Give genuine praise where merited. This makes purple ink neutral rather than consistently negative.
Coach, Not Correct: Push someone to new heights. Challenge their thinking and remove self-imposed limitations.
To the Point
Put down the red pen and pick up purple!
Image source: Copilot, prompted by the author
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