I like, I wish, I wonder - by Jonathan Chan - SSC 2023
I like, I wish, I wonder
I like
How you explained to me
This confusing ECG
Despite the incessant ringing of your bleep
And your never-ending list of jobs
I wish
We had more time
So I could learn more from you
And know what to improve
I wonder
If I will ever be like you
Standing in your shoes
Helping other souls
Reflection
I like, I wish I wonder is actually a framework to give and receive feedback that I learnt during this SSC. I really liked the simplicity of the framework and how it helped to improve my feedback skills. I think giving constructive feedback is something that is difficult and using this framework has really helped me. Just reflecting on the times that I as a medical student have been given feedback, I know how useful constructive feedback can be. At the same time, I also understand that most professionals are busy and often do not have time to give specific feedback. I feel that using this framework has really helped me to structure how I give feedback when I was teaching the medical students and its something that I am really glad to have learnt because I know it is a very useful skill.
At the same time, this poem is also a tribute to all the people who I have met so far on my journey to become a medical professional. Despite many of them juggling many other responsibilities, they still stop to teach us medical students whenever they can, sometimes even sacrificing their free time. Going through this journey as a budding educator has made me appreciate their efforts even more now that I can stand in their shoes. I aspire to take all the lessons and values that I have learnt in this SSC and from others to become a better educator so that I can impart my knowledge to others in the future.
In communication, feedback plays a pivotal role in fostering growth and improvement. However, delivering feedback can be daunting, often fraught with the challenge of striking a balance between constructive criticism and positive reinforcement. The "I like, I wish, I wonder" feedback system emerges as a simple yet powerful framework to navigate this delicate process.
Grounded in the principles of specificity, actionability, and forward-thinking, this framework prompts individuals to focus on three key aspects:
"I like": Identifying the positive aspects of the feedback recipient's work. This serves to acknowledge their strengths, build rapport, and boost their confidence.
"I wish": Highlighting areas that could be improved, providing actionable suggestions for enhancement. The focus remains on the work itself, not on personal judgments or criticisms.
"I wonder": Posing open-ended questions to gain a deeper understanding of the recipient's intentions, processes, and challenges. This fosters curiosity, encourages exploration, and opens the door to innovative solutions.
The simplicity of the "I like, I wish, I wonder" framework lies in its ease of recall and adaptability. The three categories, clearly defined and straightforward, can be readily applied to a wide range of feedback scenarios, from academic evaluations to professional performance reviews.
Furthermore, the framework aligns seamlessly with the principles of design thinking, a human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and experimentation. The emphasis on understanding the recipient's perspective, asking questions to uncover their needs, and encouraging creative solutions mirrors the core tenets of design thinking.
The "I like, I wish, I wonder" feedback system also possesses a temporal dimension, looking both back and forward. By appreciating the positive aspects of the recipient's work (the "I like" component), the framework fosters a sense of appreciation and validation. Simultaneously, by encouraging critical thinking and exploration (the "I wonder" component), it paves the way for future growth and improvement.
The versatility and effectiveness of the "I like, I wish, I wonder" feedback system have led to its adoption across various domains, including education, business, and healthcare. Its simplicity, adaptability, and alignment with design thinking principles make it an useful tool for enhancing communication and fostering personal and professional development.
Other feedback systems to consider include:
The sandwich method: This feedback system involves giving a positive piece of feedback, followed by a constructive piece of feedback, followed by another positive piece of feedback. This method can be helpful for delivering negative feedback in a more palatable way.
The feedback loop: This feedback system involves giving feedback to the feedback giver, so that they can improve their own feedback skills. This can be done in a formal or informal setting.
The 360-degree review: This feedback system involves collecting feedback from a variety of sources, such as peers, managers, and customers. This can provide a more comprehensive view of the feedback recipient's performance.
The best feedback system to use will depend on the specific context. However, the "I like, I wish, I wonder" feedback system is a good starting point for anyone who wants to give and receive more effective feedback.
For more information, see I like ...I wish
Reference and bibliography
wonder (2023). 2061Design - I like..I wish..I wonder. [online] Google.com. Available at: https://sites.google.com/view/2061design/i-like-i-wish-i-wonder [Accessed 12 Nov. 2023].