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Introducing the GAIN framework for feedback: an evidence-based approach to giving feedback that people love, appreciate, and act on
If you’re a premium subscriber, add the private feed to your podcast app at add.lennysreads.comIf feedback is a gift, why does it often feel so difficult?
In this episode, we break down executive coach Jack Cohen’s evidence-based GAIN framework - a simple, memorable way to give feedback that actually lands.
Whether you manage a team or want to nudge a peer, this is a step-by-step playbook for feedback that strengthens relationships, drives behavior change, and leaves people feeling supported and motivated to change.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why we struggle to give tough feedback
• How “start with the Goal” flips defensiveness into motivation
• Why great feedback names Actions and Impacts, not judgments
• How acknowledging your contribution disarms resistance
• Scripts that make tough conversations feel collaborative
• A framing that helps preserve ambition and psychological safety
• A Stanford-tested “wise feedback” sentence that boosts follow-through
• The 3 Ws framework to lock in change
• A live case study: a VP uses GAIN to unwind a founder’s micromanaging habit
References:
• Amy Edmondson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amycedmondson/
• “Breaking the cycle of mistrust: Wise interventions to provide critical feedback across the racial divide”: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-28213-001
• Brian Martin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-e-martin-50575a2b/
• Carol Dweck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-dweck-4618236/
• Cycle of conflict or cycle of connection?: https://speakerdeck.com/jackcohen/cycle-of-conflict-or-cycle-of-connection
• FeedbackGPT: https://maven.com/p/6f79f8/feedback-gpt-give-feedback-people-thank-you-for
• “Framing for Learning: Lessons in Successful Technology Implementation: https://www.notion.so/27d43d3a2709810a9f8de040eea2b01a?pvs=21”
• How to become a supermanager with AI: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/how-to-become-a-supermanager-with
• How to motivate your team for free: https://actionablewisdom.beehiiv.com/p/how-to-motivate-your-team-for-free
• Jack Cohen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackadamcohen/
• John Gottman: https://www.gottman.com/author/john-gottman-ph-d/
• ManagerGPT: The AI Tools and Human Systems to Scale Yourself and Your Team Fast: https://maven.com/actionablefeedback/managergpt
• Nischal Nadhamuni: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nishchaln/
• Nonviolent Communication (book): https://www.amazon.ca/Nonviolent-Communication-Language-Life-Changing-Relationships/dp/189200528X
• “On the elicitation of
Published on 2 months, 1 week ago