---
title: How to Give Feedback...Intentionally
description: Intentional feedback is a habit you can build with a simple structure. Here is how to give feedback intentionally so your team grows and stays engaged at work.
---

- [ Helios HR ](https://www.helioshr.com/)
- [ Career Seekers ](https://careers.helioshr.com/)

**

**

[![Helios HR](https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/assets/logo/helios-hr--logo-white-highres.png) ![Helios HR](https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/assets/logo/helios-hr--logo-color-highres.png) ](https://www.helioshr.com/) [ Let's Talk! ](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consultation)

- Services 
    - [HR Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-outsourcing)
    - [Recruitment Services](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-services) 
          - [Recruitment Process Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-process-outsourcing-services#rpo)
          - [Direct Hire Retained Search](https://www.helioshr.com/direct-hire)
          - [Talent Acquisition Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/talent-acquisition-consulting)
    - [HR Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting) 
          - [Strategic HR](https://www.helioshr.com/strategic-hr)
          - [Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/diversity-equity-inclusion-consulting)
          - [Compensation & Total Rewards](https://www.helioshr.com/compensation-consulting)
          - [Compliance & Risk Management](https://www.helioshr.com/compliance-risk-management)
          - [HR Information Systems](https://www.helioshr.com/hris-consulting)
          - [Engagement & Performance](https://www.helioshr.com/engagement-performance)
          - [Training & Development](https://www.helioshr.com/training-and-development-services)
    - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process)
- How We Help 
    - [Attract](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-attract)
    - [Engage](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-engage)
    - [Develop & Retain](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-develop-retain)
    - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process)
    - Who We Help 
          - [Communication and Media](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/communication-and-media)
          - [Construction](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-construction)
          - [Financial Institutions](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-financial-services)
          - [Education](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-in-education)
          - [Government Contractors](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/govcon-hr)
          - [Healthcare](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-healthcare)
          - [Hospitality and Leisure](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hospitality-and-leisure)
          - [Manufacturing](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-manufacturing)
          - [Nonprofits](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-services-for-nonprofits)
          - [Professional Services](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/professional-services)
          - [Real Estate](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-services-for-real-estate)
- [Pricing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-cost)
- [Learning Center](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-knowledgebase) 
    - [Blog](https://www.helioshr.com/blog)
    - [HR Knowledge Base](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-knowledgebase) 
          - [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.helioshr.com/artificial-intelligence-in-hr)
          - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.helioshr.com/talent-acquisition)
          - [Compensation & Total Rewards](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-total-rewards)
          - [HR Information Systems](https://www.helioshr.com/hris)
          - [Diversity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/diversity-equity-inclusion)
          - [Executive Search](https://www.helioshr.com/executive-search-recruiting-the-best)
          - [HR Strategy](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-strategy)
          - [Employee Engagement](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-engagement)
          - [Employee Retention](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-retention)
          - [Training and Development](https://www.helioshr.com/training-and-development)
          - [Performance Management](https://www.helioshr.com/performance-management)
    - [HR Speaking Events](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-training-and-development-events)
- About 
    - [Company](https://www.helioshr.com/about-us)
    - [Our Culture](https://www.helioshr.com/our-culture)
    - [Careers at Helios](https://careers.helioshr.com/open-positions)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.helioshr.com/contact)

 Close

**

- Services 
    - [HR Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-outsourcing)
    - [Recruitment Services](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-services) 
          - [Recruitment Process Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-process-outsourcing-services#rpo)
          - [Direct Hire Retained Search](https://www.helioshr.com/direct-hire)
          - [Talent Acquisition Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/talent-acquisition-consulting)
    - [HR Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting) 
          - [Strategic HR](https://www.helioshr.com/strategic-hr)
          - [Diversity, Equity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/diversity-equity-inclusion-consulting)
          - [Compensation & Total Rewards](https://www.helioshr.com/compensation-consulting)
          - [Compliance & Risk Management](https://www.helioshr.com/compliance-risk-management)
          - [HR Information Systems](https://www.helioshr.com/hris-consulting)
          - [Engagement & Performance](https://www.helioshr.com/engagement-performance)
          - [Training & Development](https://www.helioshr.com/training-and-development-services)
    - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process)
- How We Help 
    - [Attract](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-attract)
    - [Engage](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-engage)
    - [Develop & Retain](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-services-develop-retain)
    - [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process)
    - Who We Help 
          - [Communication and Media](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/communication-and-media)
          - [Construction](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-construction)
          - [Financial Institutions](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-financial-services)
          - [Education](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-in-education)
          - [Government Contractors](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/govcon-hr)
          - [Healthcare](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-healthcare)
          - [Hospitality and Leisure](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hospitality-and-leisure)
          - [Manufacturing](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-for-manufacturing)
          - [Nonprofits](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-services-for-nonprofits)
          - [Professional Services](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/professional-services)
          - [Real Estate](https://www.helioshr.com/who-we-help/hr-services-for-real-estate)
- [Pricing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-cost)
- [Learning Center](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-knowledgebase) 
    - [Blog](https://www.helioshr.com/blog)
    - [HR Knowledge Base](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-knowledgebase) 
          - [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.helioshr.com/artificial-intelligence-in-hr)
          - [Talent Acquisition](https://www.helioshr.com/talent-acquisition)
          - [Compensation & Total Rewards](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-total-rewards)
          - [HR Information Systems](https://www.helioshr.com/hris)
          - [Diversity & Inclusion](https://www.helioshr.com/diversity-equity-inclusion)
          - [Executive Search](https://www.helioshr.com/executive-search-recruiting-the-best)
          - [HR Strategy](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-strategy)
          - [Employee Engagement](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-engagement)
          - [Employee Retention](https://www.helioshr.com/employee-retention)
          - [Training and Development](https://www.helioshr.com/training-and-development)
          - [Performance Management](https://www.helioshr.com/performance-management)
    - [HR Speaking Events](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-training-and-development-events)
- About 
    - [Company](https://www.helioshr.com/about-us)
    - [Our Culture](https://www.helioshr.com/our-culture)
    - [Careers at Helios](https://careers.helioshr.com/open-positions)
    - [Contact Us](https://www.helioshr.com/contact)

[ Let's Talk! ](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consultation)

[«  View All Posts](https://www.helioshr.com/blog)

![Blog Feature](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/298890/blog-files/blog--cards-feature.png)

 By: [Natalie O'Laughlin](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/author/natalie) on March 28th, 2013

** Print/Save as PDF

# How to Give Feedback...Intentionally

[Communication](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/topic/communication) | [Business Management & Strategy](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/topic/business-management-strategy) | [Best Practices](https://www.helioshr.com/blog/topic/best-practices)

- Share:
- [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally)
- [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How+to+Give+Feedback...Intentionally&url=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally&via=)
- [**](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally&title=How+to+Give+Feedback...Intentionally&summary=Intentional+feedback+is+a+habit+you+can+build+with+a+simple+structure.+Here+is+how+to+give+feedback+intentionally+so+your+team+grows+and+stays+engaged+at+work.)
- [**](mailto:?body=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally)

At Helios, we often talk about 'building a culture of intention'. We coach our clients on being more intentional, we honor and award organizations who do (*i.e. The Helios Apollo Awards*), and we even [wrote a book ](http://www.amazon.com/Building-Culture-Intention-Helios-HR/dp/1456495941)compiled of interviews we had with local leaders on how they build these 'cultures of intention'. We were delighted to read a [blog post](http://blog.inspirionllc.com/the-thing-about-feedback/) by our friends at [Inspirion](http://www.inspirionllc.com) today that shed light on giving feedback intentionally. Here's CEO Misti Burmeister's advice:

*“If your intention in giving someone feedback is to judge or criticize, you’ll fail to inspire a shift in their behavior.” — Misti Burmeister*

For many leaders, feedback is simply not an easy thing to give. Some worry about inflating egos, while others fear destroying self-esteem. There are many great articles and books about giving feedback (heck, I’ve even written [an e-book](http://www.inspirionllc.com/eproducts.php) on the topic). One of the most popular feedback techniques is the “[Sandwich Technique](http://www.wikihow.com/Give-a-Feedback-Sandwich)” – in which you sandwich criticism between two compliments.

Yet, despite all the information out there about how to give feedback in a productive way, many leaders still struggle with this important responsibility.

Why do so many people [despise providing feedback](http://rapidbi.com/how-not-to-give-feedback-sandwich-technique/)? And why do so many fail to achieve their desired result – a positive change in behavior?

The answer lies in our *intentions. *If your intention is to judge or criticize, to be right, or to show them how stupid they are, you’ll fail to inspire a shift in their behavior. This is true regardless of which technique you use.

Before giving feedback, consider *your intentions*. Is your intention to [help them](http://blog.inspirionllc.com/how-a-tea-mug-can-empower-your-colleague/) reach their goals, or is it to help them make* you* look good? Regardless of your technique, your employees will see straight through [inauthentic](http://blog.inspirionllc.com/stop-apppreciating-me/) efforts.

**So, before you provide feedback, ask yourself: Why is this feedback valuable to this person’s professional/personal growth? **If it’s not, you might want to keep your thoughts to yourself.

Keeping it simple,

Misti Burmeister, best-selling author of [From Boomers to Bloggers: Success Strategies Across Generations](http://www.amazon.com/Boomers-Bloggers-Success-Strategies-Generations/dp/0980220904/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204915678&sr=8-1), [Hidden Heroes](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0980220939/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=inspinc-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0980220939) and [Power Suck](http://inspirionllc.com/eproducts.php).

- [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally)
- [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=How+to+Give+Feedback...Intentionally&url=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally&via=)
- [**](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally&title=How+to+Give+Feedback...Intentionally&summary=Intentional+feedback+is+a+habit+you+can+build+with+a+simple+structure.+Here+is+how+to+give+feedback+intentionally+so+your+team+grows+and+stays+engaged+at+work.)
- [**](mailto:?body=https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally)

##### Company

6903 Rockledge Drive

Suite 1400

North Bethesda, MD 20817

phone: [703.860.3882](tel:17038603882)

email: [info@helioshr.com](mailto:info@helioshr.com)

[Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/helios-hr/)

##### Services

- [Our Approach](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-process)
- [Outsourcing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-outsourcing)
- [Consulting](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting)
- [Recruiting](https://www.helioshr.com/recruitment-services)
- [Pricing](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-consulting-cost)

##### Careers

- [How it Works](https://careers.helioshr.com/how-it-works)
- [Our Culture](https://www.helioshr.com/our-culture)
- [Open Positions](https://careers.helioshr.com/open-positions)

##### Events

- [HR Training & Development Events](https://www.helioshr.com/hr-training-and-development-events)

##### About

- [About Helios HR](https://www.helioshr.com/about-us)
- [Locations](https://www.helioshr.com/locations)
- [Contact](https://www.helioshr.com/contact)

[![helios-hr--logo-grey-highres](https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/assets/logo/helios-hr--logo-grey-highres.png) ](https://www.helioshr.com/) © 2026 Helios HR. All Rights Reserved. | [Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Content may be used for AI training with attribution.](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.helioshr.com/privacy) | [Helios HR is an Equal Opportunity Employer](https://www.helioshr.com/eeo-statement/)

*"Helios never fails to amaze me; each team member I have worked with throughout our partnership has been enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personal, and most importantly, passionate about their work." - D. Jones*

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Natalie O'Laughlin",
    "url" : "https://www.helioshr.com/blog/author/natalie"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2021-12-01T01:09:56.535Z",
  "datePublished" : "2013-03-28T13:39:07.000Z",
  "headline" : "How to Give Feedback...Intentionally",
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://www.helioshr.com/blog/2013/03/how-to-give-feedbackintentionally",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://www.helioshr.com/hubfs/HeliosHR-Logo-1.gif"
    },
    "name" : "Helios HR"
  }
}
```