ACE Feedback

In tennis, an ace is a serve that is not touched by the receiver, winning the point immediately for the server.

To ace something means to nail it, to hit it home.

When it comes to feedback, the acronym ACE separates three different types of feedback. You will need all three over time to learn and grow.

Be clear on which of the three you are asking for right now.

Or, in case you are a bit surprised by the feedback you are getting, which one of the three did you get, and was that the type of feedback you were looking for right now?

A for appreciation. Is this valuable? Do you like it? If yes, that will probably encourage you to keep going.

C for coaching. Is there anything that can help me improve (things)? Coaching can be the catalyst for progress, change, and improvement.

E for evaluation. Rate it or rank it. Is it up to the standard?

Not being clear on what kind of feedback you are asking for or giving the wrong feedback will not help you ace this project. Do you want to handle feedback better in the future? The work of Sheila Heen provides a solid starting point to get a different understanding of feedback. It has plenty of lessons that are worth applying.