The Power of the Plus/Delta for Immediate Feedback

Do you want to create a feedback culture within your workplace? Forget the antiquated process of annual or even quarterly performance reviews. Forget Feedback Fridays that employees and managers have equally come to dread. Forget anonymous surveys. Enter the Plus/Delta.

Years ago, while working for a visual thinking consultancy, I was introduced to the concept of the Plus/Delta. Built into the end of every meeting or presentation was a dedicated 5-10 minute period for a Plus/Delta session. The idea was simple yet powerful: identify what went well (Plus) and discuss what could be improved or changed in the future (Delta). This quick, structured feedback session gave everyone—peers, superiors, direct reports, and clients alike—the opportunity to offer immediate, constructive insights.

The beauty of Plus/Delta lies in its simplicity and immediacy. Instead of waiting for the next formal review cycle or risking valuable feedback being forgotten or delayed, Plus/Delta allows for feedback in real-time. You don’t have to wait for weeks to hear how you performed, what resonated with the audience, or what could be refined. And unlike anonymous surveys, it encourages open, face-to-face communication. The responses are typically recorded, allowing individuals to reflect on the feedback and use it to improve future meetings, presentations, or projects.

Why Plus/Delta Works

1. Immediate and Actionable. One of the biggest challenges with traditional feedback processes is the delay. By the time performance reviews roll around, the feedback often feels outdated, or worse, irrelevant. Plus/Delta provides feedback on the spot, giving employees and leaders a clear idea of what worked and what didn’t, while the context is still fresh in everyone’s minds.

   
   

2. Inclusion and Participation. Plus/Delta creates a space where feedback can come from anyone. In a meeting setting, that might mean a direct report gives constructive feedback to a manager, or a client offers insights to a presenter. It’s an inclusive process that ensures feedback isn’t just top-down, but lateral and even bottom-up. This can foster a more open, collaborative culture where feedback is seen as an opportunity, not a threat.

   
   

3. Promotes Continuous Improvement. Because Plus/Delta is part of every meeting or presentation, it helps instill a mindset of continuous improvement. You’re not waiting for an annual review to focus on your strengths or address areas of growth. Instead, you’re encouraged to make incremental changes as you go, consistently refining and improving your approach.

   
   

4. Takes the Sting Out of Feedback. Traditional feedback sessions, especially those conducted in a high-stakes environment like performance reviews, can often feel personal and daunting. Plus/Delta, on the other hand, normalizes feedback as an everyday process. When it’s built into regular interactions, feedback feels less like judgment and more like a natural part of growth.

   
   

How to Implement Plus/Delta

To integrate Plus/Delta into your workplace, start by simply reserving time at the end of each meeting or presentation. Allow team members to share their thoughts on:

• Plus: What went well? What was effective or particularly positive?

• Delta: What could be improved? What should change for next time?

  
  

The feedback should be specific and actionable. For example, a “Plus” could be “The presentation slides were clear and easy to follow,” while a “Delta” might be “It would be helpful to receive the agenda beforehand to better prepare.”

A Feedback Culture in Action

Creating a feedback culture through Plus/Delta builds a foundation for open communication, trust, and continuous development. Employees feel heard, and leaders gain real-time insights into how their team is performing and what adjustments need to be made. By weaving this simple practice into everyday activities, you take the dread out of feedback and replace it with actionable, ongoing improvement.

Plus/Delta is more than just a feedback technique—it’s a tool for creating a culture of reflection, collaboration, and growth.