When to use this combo
You need to give someone feedback about a behavior or performance issue. You want to be honest without being hurtful, specific without being nitpicky, and constructive without being condescending.
Is this combo right for you?
Use this combo if you're an empathetic, self-aware communicator. You care about relationships and psychological safety. Before speaking, you naturally ask yourself "Am I being fair?" and "What might I be missing?" If you value understanding yourself and others before jumping into a tough conversation, this approach will feel natural.
Step-by-step walkthrough
Use the Johari Window to reflect on what you know vs. what you might be missing. Is there information in your blind spot? Could the other person have context you lack?
Walk down the Ladder of Inference to check your reasoning. Are you reacting to observable facts, or have you jumped to conclusions and assumptions?
Structure your feedback with the SBI framework (Situation-Behavior-Impact). Describe the specific situation, the observable behavior, and the impact it had — no judgments.