Giving Good Feedback: The Economist Edge Series

by Margaret Cheng

From the Economist Edge Series, an essential new guide on giving, soliciting and receiving feedback.

We are surrounded by feedback, whether we're being asked to like, rate, or otherwise comment on products, services, or even people. At work, the right kind of feedback delivered at the right time and in the right way can help us all to learn and improve. In reality, though, that's easier said than done.

Help is at hand. Margaret Cheng's six golden rules and Giving Good Feedback Framework offer a clear guide to what feedback is, how we can master the things that get in the way and deploy some simple techniques to make feedback a more routine—and less emotionally charged—part of our routine work communications.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Alexis Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret Cheng’s Giving Good Feedback is a practical guide to mastering the art of constructive communication. One of my key takeaways was her emphasis on focusing on observable behaviors rather than personal traits. She lays out six golden rules and introduces a structured framework that helps make feedback more effective and less emotionally charged.

I especially appreciated her insights on overcoming common challenges, like the discomfort of giving or receiving criticism. She provides strategies to make feedback a regular, growth-oriented part of workplace culture rather than something dreaded. While some of her models felt a bit structured for my taste, her core principles—clarity, empathy, and focusing on actionable improvements—are incredibly useful.

Overall, Cheng’s approach made me rethink how I offer feedback, making it more constructive and goal-oriented. It’s a solid read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills in a professional setting.

[Varsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very beneficial in explaining the use of simple frameworks to assist with providing difficult feedback in a business context.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be clear. Be helpful. Be human.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a software engineer this book is incredibly helpful, something I think every manager needs to read and provide to their team. A solid look at the variety of feedback styles and ways to prepare.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a pressure to write a review after reading a book about on how to give good feedback.

Must read if you want to learn the do/dont's of providing feedback.