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Giving constructive feedback: a real-world case with Callimac

A team member meets deadlines... but their output contains errors and is hard to read. How do you give feedback that truly helps them improve, without putting them on the defensive?

December 1, 20255 min read
Giving constructive feedback: a real-world case with Callimac

A team member meets deadlines... but the output contains some numerical errors, approximations, and is ultimately hard to read.

As a manager, how do you give feedback that truly helps them improve, without putting them on the defensive?

This is where Callimac, the AI assistant for managers, comes in.

Step 1: Clarify the context

Before suggesting any wording, Callimac guides the manager with 3 framing questions:

  • What exactly am I giving feedback on? (presentation, behavior, difficulties...)
  • What is my relationship with this person? (direct manager, project lead, mentor for 6 months...)
  • What outcome am I looking for? (awareness, correction, motivation boost...)
  • Result: the manager moves beyond vagueness. They clarify the facts, the relationship, and the intent.

    These questions are directly inspired by recognized methods like SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) and best practices in nonviolent communication.

    Step 2: Propose an adapted formulation

    Based on this context, Callimac builds a structured approach to deliver feedback, in the most appropriate format (verbal first):

    "Thank you for meeting the deadlines.

    I've noted several areas for improvement: numerical errors, approximations, visual presentation.

    This matters because quality determines the credibility of our analyses and decisions.

    For the next deadline, what would you need to ensure the numbers are accurate and improve the presentation?

    We can plan an intermediate review if needed."

    Why does this work?

  • The feedback is factual, without judgment, which promotes acceptance.
  • The meaning and impact are made explicit: credibility and decision quality.
  • The discussion projects forward through feedforward (a concept popularized by Marshall Goldsmith), empowering the person and seeking concrete solutions.
  • Step 3: Go deeper and provide tools

    Callimac systematically offers the manager to go further, through:

  • Producing concrete tools like a self-assessment grid;
  • Explaining the model used, here the SBI model;
  • Open-ended questions to further engage the manager.
  • Feedback is no longer just a remark: it becomes a lever for continuous improvement, embedded in the team's dynamics.

    Want to go further?

    Discover how Callimac supports your managers in these situations every day.

    Request a demo