Apr 1, 2025
Feedback Timing
Feedback delayed is feedback diluted.
After two weeks, the lesson goes cold. Details fade. Emotions disappear. What could've been a clear moment becomes a blur.
You try to explain what went wrong. Or what went right. But the context's gone. The person nods but doesn't feel it. They can't replay the moment in their head. The energy's moved on.
Feedback works when it's fast.
“In that meeting just now…” hits different than “Remember that thing two weeks ago?” One feels sharp. The other feels vague. Fresh feedback still has signal in it. Wait too long, and all you're left with is noise.
Don't hold it back. Say “great job” when the win is fresh.
If something was worth noticing, it's worth saying. Right now. Say it while the moment's still alive.
After two weeks, the lesson goes cold. Details fade. Emotions disappear. What could've been a clear moment becomes a blur.
You try to explain what went wrong. Or what went right. But the context's gone. The person nods but doesn't feel it. They can't replay the moment in their head. The energy's moved on.
Feedback works when it's fast.
“In that meeting just now…” hits different than “Remember that thing two weeks ago?” One feels sharp. The other feels vague. Fresh feedback still has signal in it. Wait too long, and all you're left with is noise.
Don't hold it back. Say “great job” when the win is fresh.
If something was worth noticing, it's worth saying. Right now. Say it while the moment's still alive.
About Max Antonov
I’m Max, a father of two, Product Director & Product Coach from Sydney. I write about leadership, product management
and life.
Feel free to reach out: [email protected].
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