How to Give Feedback to a Red—If You Dare
Erikson portrays Reds as likely to react strongly to criticism and urges the person giving feedback to prepare for that response.
THE IDEA
How to Give Feedback to a Red—If You Dare
Good news: You don’t need any great skill to give negative feedback to a Red. The only thing you need is a Kevlar vest and fire-resistant hair. Because no matter how you do it, the temperature in the room will rise. If you’re prepared for it, there won’t be any major problems. But if a Red doesn’t respond to what you say, then you have reason to worry. Either he’s ignoring you and what you’re saying or he’s seriously ill.
When to use it
Giving a Red employee constructive criticism about a missed deadline.
Providing feedback to a Red team leader about their aggressive communication style.
Discussing a disagreement with a Red business partner during a negotiation.
Offering critique on a Red's project plan in a team meeting.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Manager giving critical feedback to a Red employee
A manager needs to address a Red employee's tendency to dominate team meetings. The manager expects a defensive or argumentative response and prepares by staying calm, direct, and focusing on facts. The Red employee initially pushes back but later acknowledges the feedback.
Telling a Red colleague that their proposal has flaws
During a project review, a team member points out weaknesses in a Red colleague's proposal. The Red colleague reacts with frustration and challenges the critique point by point. The team member remains firm but respectful, avoiding escalation.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you prepare yourself emotionally and tactically before delivering negative feedback to a Red personality?
How could you check that someone understood your feedback rather than guessing from the strength of their reaction?
In what ways can you balance directness with respect when giving constructive criticism to a Red?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)