1. Focus on the task, not the person. Consider these two statements: “You didn’t cook the chicken right, and now a student is going to get sick because of you.” versus: “The chicken was undercooked, which runs the risk of foodborne illness. Let’s review the recipe and temperature requirements so we can be sure it’s safe next time.” Both address a serious issue, but they send very different messages. The first statement focuses on the person. The second focuses on the task. That small shift matters. A 1996 study from researchers Avi Kluger and Angelo Denisi found that feedback can improve performance but also decrease performance. They determined that the value of feedback didn’t come from being positive or negative. It came from focusing on the task or on the self. When feedback becomes about someone’s character: You’re careless. You’re always late. You’re disorganized , the conversation can quickly become about defending an identity rather than improving performance. Task- focused feedback gives people something they can work with: a process, product, or strategy. This makes the feedback actionable, which can lead to concrete improvements and measurable progress.
Pause before the next time you give feedback, and ask yourself, “Am I addressing the person, or the work?” That one question can determine the purpose and power of your feedback.
member, “What you do matters and here’s why.” These two shifts may seem small, but they can support a larger leadership mindset. Leaders want to give feedback that teams can use to learn and grow. When we focus on the task instead of the person’s identity, we create space for improvement; when we explain the why, we connect individual actions to shared goals. This doesn’t mean every feedback conversation will be comfortable. Some conversations will be hard, and some feedback will sting. Sometimes we’ll still get it wrong, and that’s OK. Growth doesn’t require perfect conversations. It requires a willingness to keep having them. We have an opportunity to lead with a growth mindset, support our team by helping them learn and grow, and inspire them by connecting the work to a larger purpose. These are just two of the communication tools I explore in my sessions for school nutrition teams. Through speaking and interactive workshops, I help teams strengthen communication, build connection, and create a more supportive, collaborative workplace. Just like a recipe, feedback isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about creating a culture where we can keep improving together.
2. Don’t skip the “Why.”
Sometimes the feedback isn’t the problem. Sometimes it’s that the receiver of the feedback doesn’t understand why it matters. “Follow the recipe exactly.” Okay… but why ? In school nutrition, following a recipe isn’t simply about doing things “the right way.” Recipes help ensure proper crediting, components, consistent quality, and so much more. The more people understand how their individual actions connect to the bigger picture, the easier it becomes to see feedback as something more than a correction. So instead of only communicating what needs to change, try adding the why because the why leads to impact. For example, “We need to follow the recipes as written because it helps us maintain the correct portioning and ensures we have enough servings. If we don’t, we could run out of food or create unnecessary waste.” Now the instructions have context, and context can create connection. It tells the team
Janel Wojcik, SNS | Owner, Eating Well With Janel Janel Wojcik, SNS (she/her), is a Public Speaker, School Nutrition Specialist, and Proud Granddaughter of a Lunch Lady. Based in Los Angeles, she brings 15 years of experience across the technology, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors, where she led cross-cultural teams worldwide before transitioning into school nutrition. With 20 years of improvisation experience, Janel’s speaking blends humor with practical strategies to help teams strengthen communication, build trust, and improve efficiency. Her work extends into the community, where she partners with foster youth organizations to teach cooking classes and inspire confidence in the kitchen.
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