Fertilise

• Genuine Recognition & Specificity: Start by acknowledging a specific strength or positive effort, ideally one related to the area you're about to discuss. This step nourishes the ground for growth, setting a positive tone and showing you appreciate their contributions.

Weeding

• Observation & Impact: Clearly state your observation using "I" statements, focusing on the behaviour, not the person. Briefly explain the impact of that behaviour, identifying what's hindering optimal growth.

Blooming

• Collaborative Solutions & Openness: Work together to find solutions, planting seeds for new ideas and fostering a space where collaboration and growth flourish. Provide your own suggestions as starting points, but emphasise that you're open to their ideas and want to find a mutually agreeable path forward. Remember that this may not be possible in the moment, and the person receiving the feedback may need some time to bloom.

Example: Household Chores

Here's how the Feedback Flower Framework blossoms in a real-life situation:

• Fertilise: "Hey Alex, I really appreciate that you make a big effort to pack the dishwasher after you've cooked – it helps keep the kitchen tidy for everyone."

• Weeding: "I've noticed that the non-stick pans have been going in there too, which unfortunately damages their coating and means we might need to replace them sooner."

• Blooming: "Would you be open to washing them by hand, or perhaps leaving them to soak in the sink if you're not ready to wash them immediately? I'm open to other ideas if you have a solution that works better for you as well. If you'd like to have a think about this, we can return to this conversation later."