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ManagingYour Team 155

mance. The absence of negative comments does not assist in devel-
opment (and if we look hard enough, all of us have areas we can
develop). It doesn’t take too long, however, for the slope of the
negative-comment curve to reverse. As humans, we can only
absorb and appreciate a certain number of negative comments
before we begin to lose motivation and become demoralized. The
positive comments represent a more gradual slope, meaning a few
more positive comments are necessary to truly influence perfor-
mance. However, the impact of more positive comments contin-
ues for a longer period of time. Eventually the positive comments
reach a “B.S. point,” the level at which the comments appear
superficial or unbelievable.
Overall, the message of this graph is that balanced feedback is
best. It is important to point out weaknesses and development
opportunities but to avoid going overboard and making every
comment a “suggestion for improvement.” Positive comments play

Negative
Comments
B.S. Point
Impact on
Performance
Positive
Comments

Demoralization

Quantity of Comments

Figure 6-1. Feedback Impact Model