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I prefer to get them separately and directly . Make a compliment and leave it there. Criticize and leave it there. If you often use the sandwich method I will just wait for what comes after the first part so the compliment is worthless. Don’t give a long speech before you get to the point.

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An alternative is context, counter-argument, argument

"we currently xxxx, and although yyyyy, zzzz is still better. Make the case against your own argument or for an alternative first, to show you understand both sides, can exhibit some empathy, and to prevent the inevitable rebuttal. If your argument isnt well received, youve still framed the counter-argument in a way that leaves the subsequent conversation about moving forward with it in an easier place, because now everyone knows you understand what is being asked of you.

This is good. It opens a real discussion about the issue at hand.

Spot on. I have to wait for the actual feedback and suggestions which to my managers credit are often useful and insightful and on point. But what precedes the feedback can be mind numbing.

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