In a recent LinkedIn post, Jason Feifer discusses a common pitfall in seeking feedback and offers a simple, yet effective, alternative for eliciting more genuine insights. Feifer, the editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine and a prolific business writer, highlights how traditional feedback-seeking questions can often lead to superficial or overly polite responses.
The Problem with ‘What Did You Think?’
Feifer argues that asking a broad question like “What did you think?” often puts individuals in an uncomfortable position. Many people are hesitant to directly criticize someone’s work, especially if they wish to maintain a positive relationship. This social awkwardness, Feifer suggests, leads to watered-down feedback that doesn’t provide actionable improvements.
“If you ask what people think, most people will be nice. They’re not comfortable criticizing your work.”
This reluctance to offer criticism, even when a project could benefit from it, is a significant barrier to growth, according to Feifer. The desire to be agreeable can override the potential for constructive critique, leaving creators and business leaders with a false sense of their work’s reception.
The Power of Solution-Oriented Questions
To overcome this challenge, Feifer proposes a direct pivot in questioning strategy. Instead of focusing on past performance or general opinion, he advocates for questions that guide the feedback-giver towards solutions and improvements.
“Instead… DO ASK: ‘What would make this better?'”
Feifer explains the underlying psychology of this approach. When asked how to improve something, people shift from a passive observer role to an active problem-solver. This mental frame encourages them to identify specific areas for enhancement and articulate concrete suggestions. As Feifer notes, this often unlocks the honest opinions that the feedback-seeker is truly looking for.
Why This Method Yields Better Results
The core of Feifer’s argument rests on the idea that framing matters. By asking “What would make this better?”, you are implicitly asking for help and collaboration. This framing is less confrontational and more inviting for constructive criticism. According to Feifer, this method taps into people’s desire to be helpful, leading to more specific and valuable feedback.
“Better questions = better feedback.”
This strategic questioning technique, as outlined by Feifer, can be applied in various contexts, from reviewing creative work and business strategies to team collaborations and personal development. It encourages a proactive approach to feedback, transforming it from a potentially awkward exchange into a productive dialogue aimed at tangible improvement.
Ultimately, Jason Feifer’s advice underscores the importance of carefully crafting the questions we ask when seeking input. By shifting the focus from opinion to actionable improvement, leaders can foster an environment where honest, constructive feedback thrives, leading to significant growth for both individuals and their ventures.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Jason Feifer on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on December 22, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →