🇺🇸 USA Feedback
What’s the “compliment sandwich” method of feedback?
The “compliment sandwich” method places criticism between two compliments to soften its impact.
Is Spanish feedback usually direct or indirect?
Direct – Spaniards tend to give feedback honestly and explicitly.
Who wrote The Culture Map?
Erin Meyer
Define “growth mindset.”
Believing abilities can develop through effort and learning.
Your Spanish coworker criticizes you in front of others. What should you consider?
Understand that directness and public critique may be culturally normal; don’t take it personally.
Why is indirectness valued in American feedback?
Indirectness is valued to maintain politeness and avoid confrontation.
How is emotion expressed in Spanish workplace feedback?
Emotions are more openly expressed; feedback can be passionate and direct.
Which culture is higher on the “Direct Negative Feedback” scale?
Spain is more direct than the USA when giving negative feedback.
Why do safe spaces help with feedback?
They reduce fear of judgment and create a space where people feel respected and open to feedback.
You’re giving a performance review in Spain. What’s the best tone?
Be open, honest, and expressive — avoid sugarcoating.
What kind of tone is typically used?
A neutral or positive tone is preferred; bluntness is usually avoided.
What does body language often convey in Spanish feedback?
Gestures and facial expressions often reinforce or intensify feedback.
What cultural dimension affects how feedback is given?
The Evaluating dimension – how directly or indirectly negative feedback is delivered.
What did Deutscher argue about language and thought?
That language influences how we perceive and categorize the world.
Your American boss avoids direct critique. Why?
Direct critique may be viewed as rude; the boss may be trying to preserve harmony.
True or False – Americans tend to avoid conflict in the workplace.
✅ True – Americans often avoid conflict and soften negative feedback.
True or False – Feedback is only given in private in Spain.
❌ False – Feedback can be given publicly and emotionally, especially in passionate discussions.
What does it mean to be a “high-context” culture?
In high-context cultures, much is implied and communication relies on shared understanding.
What role do emotions play in feedback perception?
Emotions impact how feedback is interpreted and remembered; cultural norms shape this.
How should you handle feedback when cultural expectations clash?
Consider the other person’s cultural expectations and communicate with clarity and empathy.
How does Carol Dweck’s growth mindset connect to feedback?
A growth mindset encourages people to see feedback as a learning opportunity, not a personal attack.
How does hierarchy affect feedback flow in Spain?
Spanish workplaces are more hierarchical; junior staff may not feel free to give upward feedback.
How do Spain and the U.S. compare on the Evaluating scale?
Spain ranks higher (more direct) than the U.S. on the Evaluating scale in The Culture Map.
How do brave spaces differ from safe spaces?
Brave spaces allow discomfort and challenge while respecting diversity — good for deeper feedback conversations.
Write a one-line example of direct Spanish feedback.
Example: “Your report needs significant improvement. The structure is unclear, and there are factual errors.”