The Sandwich Method Revisited

Is the sandwich method an effective conflict management tool? I recently presented on conflict resolution with a wonderfully engaged group at Leadership Hendricks County. The group offered insights, ideas, and questions about conflict resolution that got me thinking, should I revisit the sandwich method?

If you’re unfamiliar with the sandwich method, it’s the analogy of creating a sandwich when doing a one-on-one critique. The first piece of bread is a compliment, the meat is the critique, and the bottom piece of bread is again a compliment.

The sandwich method can be effective, but only if used with empathy, emotional intelligence, and understanding of the recipient’s needs.

The Sandwich Method It Must Come from the Heart 

“The sandwich’s purpose is to give constructive criticism without causing the employee to become defensive, angry, or close-minded. When introduced to this method years ago, I considered it a trick to be used against employees. However, I learned that if it’s honest and coming from help, it’s not a trick. You begin by sharing what you respect about the team member. It must be real, or don’t use this method. For example, the first slice of bread could be a character trait that you truly appreciate about that person. It could be their dependability, hard work, dedication, enthusiasm, diligence, responsibility, etc.” — How to Take Disciplinary Action Without Creating Animosity.

Not Everyone Likes the Bread 

The sandwich method is only effective with some. To Know if it will be effective, you must know the person. Some people don’t like or need the bread. They only want the meat. These carnivores prefer a critique to be straightforward and to the point.

The Open-faced Sandwich

Another approach to the sandwich is the open-faced sandwich. Start with the meat on top. Never be accusatory, angry, or threatening. The best approach is to come from help. For example, “There’s something I’d like to share that could help you.” After you offer your help, place it on a bottom piece of bread, sharing what you truly appreciate about your teammate.

The Meatless Sandwich

I can’t take credit for this, my friend Chris, who attended the LHC seminar, called me that night. He owns a small business. After the workshop, he brought two individuals separately into his office. Both can be defensive, and when he called them to his office, he told me you could see they thought they were in trouble. They weren’t. Chris complimented them on their recent achievements. Chris told me he did this so in the future, they wouldn’t be fearful of coming to the “boss’s office” and could sit down to discuss how to improve the business and their contributions – coming from help.

Should You Use the Sandwich Method?

Should you use the sandwich method? Yes, no, maybe. Whether you use the sandwich or not isn’t what’s important. What’s important is not to ignore when someone needs help for fear of conflict, burying your head in the sand and hoping it will go away. It probably won’t. It’s not conflict and confrontation if you’re coming from help.

If you liked this post, you might appreciate, How to Use the Pinch Theory of Conflict Management.

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

Does your business have a management training plan? Businesses and universities use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. I’m also available to conduct training.

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

 

The post The Sandwich Method Revisited appeared first on Randy Clark Leadership Training.