Feed back to those you know are doing their best but----------
Being sensitive to the optimistic efforts of the receiver is extremely important. Staying positive but truthful and tactful will go a long way in perhaps getting the results you are seeking
I agree with your suggestions. It is a good idea to start with a positive point before providing a negative point. By offering something positive in advance, the recipient might be open to the next point that might be negative or might need further elaboration.
When it comes to employees and students, we hope that they are all doing their best. Sometimes I find the greatest challenge is calling them to a challenge they feel is greater than their abilities, even if it is within their capabilities. When they are called to the challenge and find success, then celebration and feedback in the form of praise is warranted. If at first they do not succeed, then that provides the opportunity for feedback that is dual edged; first praise them for the attempt and then invite them to collaborate on how it may be more successful in future attempts. We never know what we are capable of until we attempt what we think is impossible.
