a 2,500 year old feedback guide

Giving feedback is one of the hardest—and most important—skills we use at work. Fortunately, ancient wisdom offers a guide. I stumbled upon this connection recently and was amazed how closely these ancient principles track today's best practices. So here it is...in Buddhism, the Five Gatekeepers of Speech are reminders (in the form of questions) that encourage us to pause and reflect before speaking:

1️⃣ Is it true? Feedback should be rooted in facts, not opinions or assumptions. Stick to observations you can back up.

2️⃣ Is it kind? Even difficult feedback can (and should) be delivered with empathy. Kindness builds trust.

3️⃣ Is it beneficial? Great feedback is actionable, tied to opportunities for growth or improvement. What’s the next step?

4️⃣ Is it necessary? At work, the answer is most often “yes.” Feedback is a key tool for learning, improving, and working together effectively.

5️⃣ Is it the right time? The right time is usually now. Delaying feedback can dilute its impact or create confusion.

These questions are as relevant in the office as they were 2,500 years ago! When we align our feedback with these principles, we create a space where people feel valued and empowered to grow. 🌻

In my work, I empower professionals to lead with their authentic presence and find their true purpose. Career fulfillment is built on presence and purpose but also requires strong set of professional skills in order to be successful. Feedback skills are foundational professional skills.