SBI Model

One-on-one Meetings

The SBI Feedback model (Center for Creative Leadership, 2018) is a technique for giving feedback that focuses on the facts of a situation, the specific behaviour that was observed, and the impact of what happened. We also recommend following the feedback with an open-ended question, referred to as discovery, to begin a conversation around the feedback. The SBI approach is non-judgemental, focuses on solutions, and is a valuable technique for written and spoken feedback, both positive and constructive.

The use of an 'opening phrase' that sets the stage for the feedback discussion. In most cases, after delivering this phrase, the person you are speaking with will choose to give permission to have the discussion. If permission is not granted in the moment, consider scheduling a time in the near future to continue the discussion. 

Employee to Manager

  1. Opening Phrase

    I'm wondering if we could talk about the meeting we just had about our team goals

  2. Situation

    When we were discussing our goals, I felt that there was a lot of expectations put on me that might not have been put on others.

  3. Behaviour

    When the team was putting names beside the tasks, it looked like you wrote my name down by the majority of the items.

  4. Impact

    I appreciate that you have trust in my work. With this much on my plate, I'm concerned that I am not going to be able to be successful this year. I also think that some of these tasks could be shared among the team.

  5. Discovery

    What do you think?

  1. Opening Phrase

    I’d like to share my observations about the team meeting we just had.

  2. Situation

    I wanted to let you know that I noticed how you managed that disagreement between our team members.

  3. Behaviour

    I appreciated how you were able to listen to each person and encourage a conversation where both Bob and Jack were able to discuss their opinions.

  4. Impact

    It made me think that if I ever had a different opinion, I could speak up. I trust that you would listen and treat me fairly and with respect. 

  5. Discovery

    Thank you.

Manager to Employee

  1. Opening Phrase

    I'd like to talk to you about the team meeting we had yesterday.

  2. Situation

    When we started discussing the new project...

  3. Behaviour

    I noticed that you helped facilitate the discussion by seeking responses from everyone in the group, not just those of us who are more vocal.

  4. Impact

    I appreciated the care you took to help everyone have a chance to speak up without being interrupted.

  5. Discovery

    How do you think that meeting went?

  1. Opening Phrase

    I’d like to talk to you about the meeting this morning.

  2. Situation

    When the announcement came from our AVP regarding the upcoming changes...

  3. Behaviour

    ... I noticed that you got up from your chair and quickly walked out of the room.

  4. Impact

    I felt distracted, worried, and upset by this reaction.

  5. Discovery

    Tell me what was going on for you in that moment.

  1. Opening Phrase

    I'd like to talk to you about the meeting this morning.

  2. Situation

    When the announcement came from our AVP regarding the upcoming changes...

  3. Behaviour

    ... I noticed that you shifted in your seat but quickly put a smile on your face.

  4. Impact

    I appreciate you trying to be positive about what we heard. It helped me focus on what the AVP was saying.

  5. Discovery

    Tell me what is concerning you about the changes.

Peer to Peer

  1. Opening Phrase

    I’d like to chat with you about the conversation we had this morning.

  2. Situation

    When we were discussing our goals...

  3. Behaviour

    ... I noticed that you made a joke in front of our team that felt demeaning.

  4. Impact

    I felt put on the spot and embarassed. It made me want to stop contributing to the discussion.

  5. Discovery

    Can you help me understand where that came from?

  1. Opening Phrase

    I’d like to chat with you about that conversation we had this morning.

  2. Situation

    When we were discussing our team goals...

  3. Behaviour

    ... you talked about the role that I played on the project and how I stepped up to help.

  4. Impact

    I really appreciated your comments and it made me feel good that you noticed how hard I worked on the project

  5. Discovery

    What is one thing I could could do next time we work together that would really help?

  1. Opening Phrase

    Do you have some time to discuss our new work space?

  2. Situation

    At our meeting this morning...

  3. Behaviour

    ... you mentioned that you were feeling frustrated as an introvert surrounded by extroverts.

  4. Impact

    I appreciated your honesty and I'm glad we can have these sort of discussions as a team.

  5. Discovery

    If we were to discuss this further as a group, what do you think that conversation might look like?

  1. Opening Phrase

    Do you have some time to discuss our new work space?

  2. Situation

    At our meeting this morning...

  3. Behaviour

    ... you mentioned that you were feeling frustrated as an introvert surrounded by extroverts. I noticed that you raised your voice.

  4. Impact

    I felt uncomfortable and wasn't sure how to respond in the moment.

  5. Discovery

    If we were to discuss this further as a group, what do you think that conversation might look like?