In this short role‑play, a manager (Speaker A) attempts to address an employee, Sally (Speaker B), who has been hostile in team meetings. The manager decides to use the “compliment sandwich” – a positive comment, followed by criticism, followed by another positive comment – believing it will make the negative feedback more palatable. He delivers the sandwich, emphasizing Sally’s brilliance and ideas, then points out her rude behavior, and ends with more praise. Sally interprets the entire exchange as pure praise, feeling validated and proud, while the manager convinces himself that the feedback was clear and effective. The dialogue repeats, showing the manager’s growing self‑congratulation and Sally’s continued misunderstanding. The sketch illustrates why the compliment sandwich often fails: the positive framing drowns out the corrective message, leading to misinterpretation and false confidence in the manager’s technique.
Chapters
Ah, I have a tough management situation. I have this employee, Sally, and during our team meetings, she's been getting pretty nasty to some of the other employees. So I know I've got to give her some feedback. Feedback. But I'm afraid if I just come right out and tell her the feedback, she's gonna go crazy. So I'm gonna say something to her using a compliment sandwich. I read that if I give her a little bit of nice feedback and then kind of sneak in the not-so-nice feedback, that she'll take it much better. I'm gonna give it a try. Wish me luck. Hi, Sally. Hi there. Do you have a minute to talk? Sure, what's up? So, um, listen, I just wanted to tell you that I think you're doing a great job on that X-14 report. Those ideas you come up with are just brilliant. I think you might be the smartest person on the team. Now, I do want to say that some of your colleagues are kind of getting upset a little bit when you yell at them during the team meetings. And you can get a little nasty. But, you know, you're just so smart. I just want everybody to hear all those great ideas that you keep coming up with. Wow!
Did you hear what the boss just said to me? I'm smart! I'm really clever! I must be doing a terrific job! I feel amazing about myself!
Wow! That was a really good conversation, I think. I think Sally really heard what I wanted to tell her, which is that she needs to improve her performance. Mm-hmm. I don't know how she could have missed my message. I think it was really clear, but I think I softened it nicely, so she really took my message to heart. You know what? I think I'm really getting the hang of this management thing. I'll bet she's off right now processing all of that constructive feedback I gave her. Good job for me. Mm-hmm. Hey, what'd the boss want?
Oh, well, you know, just wanted to compliment me on the work I've been doing lately, and, uh, he actually had a lot to say. You know, uh, I'm feeling pretty good. I think I'm the best person on the team right now.
Wow, that's great for you. I know. Not so good for me. I feel terrific! Well, you should. Sounds like you got a real pat on the head.
