Giving Specific and Actionable Corrections

Feedback needs to be simple and as specific as possible. When corrections are something "un-doable" they tend to be difficult to implement. If a youth baseball coach told their players to "Work on hitting better" or "Play better defense" or "Throw more strikes" they'd be met with blank stares. People need specific actionable advice for making change or it tends to take a lot longer.

• Picture your teen asking "How?" after each thing you request they do.
• If your directions, corrections or advice are lacking the actual "how to," break them down further into physical actions that are "doable."
• "Be more careful" isn't as clear as "When you approach a pedestrian be sure to slow down, cover the brake and adjust your lane position if needed."
• "Be smoother" isn't as specific or actionable as "Use your toes to squeeze the pedals. Start braking earlier and try to keep consistent pressure all the way to a smooth stop."