Feedback Style: Perfect Passthrough

Attributes of a Perfect Passthrough

Trusting – Busy – Nonconfrontational – Flexible – Apathetic – Nice

Who Is The Perfect Passthrough

The Perfect Pass-Through might feel like a dream. This reviewer gives the creator the rubber stamp of approval every time. Every once in a while, they may change a comma or an unfortunate typo, but the work remains largely untouched. Sounds great, right? “I love everything” means “I read 10% of it, and I trust you to do your job.” Great in the moment, but you are not growing or collaborating.

This is a nice feedback style. But it’s not kind. It’s protecting the creator’s feelings instead of helping the idea become great. In the Kind Review process, we’re aiming for action and kindness.

This style of reviewer can completely trust the creator doing their job, or they can be the opposite and lack enough knowledge to comment. Either way, it’s terrible. Producing creative work isn’t a one-person job. It takes collaboration and editing to make it shine. Always know that every great writer has a good editor.

What To Do If You're A Perfect Passthrough

You are probably a Perfect Passthrough because you trust your team. You are also busy. It’s okay, but you can do better.

Kind collaboration leads to a happier team, more innovative products, and a more efficient work life. By teaming up to make ideas better, everyone wins. In addition, being vocal about your shift to being more collaborative will help keep your team from being blindsided by your awakening to your job.

Don’t be afraid to get dirty. Get into the process of creating. Think, “a little dirt won’t hurt.”
Your expertise and knowledge are so valuable in this work. Your team needs you to be present and to contribute.
Your sage advice and contribution are valuable, so don’t forget to include them! However, ensure your expertise doesn’t come off as shaming creators for not having your knowledge.
If the work is truly perfect as is, say it! Encouraging your creator is essential to getting ideas to greatness.
Establish a review process with shared language in your office can help you overcome the tendency to be a Perfect Pass-Through

How To Stop Being a Perfect Passthrough

Embrace the messiness of creative work.
Make time to review ideas and products.
Be clear and concise about what change you want to see.
Encourage the parts that you want to keep.

Acceptance of your Feedback Style is the first step to creating a kind workplace. Great job!

Now the real work begins. Order your copy of Kindly Review to learn how to unleash the creative power of your team. Learn all the Feedback Styles, and get a step-by-step process to complete your creative work in just 2 rounds of feedback. For real. It’s powerful stuff.

Being Kind Boss is the key to increased productivity and greater employee satisfaction. Kindly Review will get you the skills to lead with kindness.