1. Creating a Candid Culture in the Workplace
Eileen C. Begle
Assistant County Attorney
Office of Harris County Attorney
Vince Ryan
Let’s Talk About It!
Eileen C. Begle
Senior Assistant County Attorney
Office of Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan

2. This is ANDY.
This is BRAD.

3. A candid conversation?
ANDY
BRAD

4. A candid conversation?
A spontaneous apology?
ANDY
BRAD

5. ANDY BRAD A candid conversation? A spontaneous apology?
Or lots of GOSSIP about Andy?
ANDY
BRAD

6. This is EDWARD.
This is DIANE.

7. This is Frank.

8. Candid Culture
If we had 8 simple steps to having candid conversations?

9. Candid Culture
Managers
Coworkers
Employees
Constituents
Stakeholders

12. Two Reasons For Feedback
To maintain behavior
To change behavior

13. Effective Feedback
Timely
Quick
Specific

14. Effective Feedback Timely within 7 days Quick < 2 minutes Specific
< 2 issues at a
time

15. FACTS not Opinions. Effective Feedback Timely within 7 days Quick
< 2 minutes
Specific
< 2 issues at a
time
FACTS not Opinions.

16. Opinions are not Feedback
“He’s lazy.”
“She’s not a team player.”
“He has an attitude problem!”
More examples on Page 3

17. “He is a hard worker!” “He is very smart.” “She is a team player.”
Even When Favorable
“He is very smart.”
“She is a team player.”
“He is a hard worker!”

18. Creating the Culture
It’s never too late.

19. Set Clear Expectations

20. Quit Guessing. Ask Questions.
The more we know how people like to work, the less likely we will be to damage the relationship.

21. Explain what and why. Empathize. Say, “I’ve noticed…” and the facts
Explain what and why. Empathize. Say, “I’ve noticed…” and the facts. Describe the impact. Ask, “What are your thoughts?” Make a suggestion. Get an agreement. Say, “Thank you.”
FEEDBACK FORMULA