How to give difficult feedback to a coworker over text
Feedback lands when it's specific about the behavior, not the person — and offers a way forward, not just a critique.
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Three ways to say it
“hey so i noticed the file was late again and it kind of threw off my timeline this week, i totally get things come up but it's happened a few times now and i wanted to flag it”
The late file pushed my timeline again — third time this month. Can we find a fix together?
“i wanted to mention something i've noticed in meetings, sometimes it feels like people don't get to finish their thoughts before you jump in, i don't think you mean anything by it but wanted to flag it”
In meetings, people sometimes don't get to finish before you jump in. Worth flagging.
“i've noticed the last couple of reports had some gaps that weren't there before, i wanted to check in and see if everything's okay or if there's something i can help with”
The last couple reports had some gaps that weren't there before. Everything okay on your end?
“i noticed the update to the team didn't really mention that this was a joint effort and it kind of stung, i just wanted to bring it up so it doesn't happen again”
That update read like solo work — it wasn't. Wanted to flag it before it becomes a pattern.
Common questions
How to give difficult feedback to a coworker over text
Feedback lands when it's specific about the behavior, not the person — and offers a way forward, not just a critique.
What should I text when they missed a deadline that affected your work?
The late file pushed my timeline again — third time this month. Can we find a fix together?
What should I text when they talk over people in meetings?
In meetings, people sometimes don't get to finish before you jump in. Worth flagging.
What should I text when their work quality has slipped?
The last couple reports had some gaps that weren't there before. Everything okay on your end?
What should I text when they take credit for shared work?
That update read like solo work — it wasn't. Wanted to flag it before it becomes a pattern.