People often share constructive criticism—of a student’s college essay, a boss’s idea, a colleague’s project, etc.—by starting and ending with something positive. University of Pennsylvania professor Adam Grant calls this a “feedback sandwich,” and while it might make things easier for the person giving the feedback, it doesn’t actually help the recipient. Here’s a short article of Grant’s explaining why it doesn’t work, and what he recommends instead.

I think it’s important to note that the interactions he’s describing are those in which someone is asking you for feedback, and doing so when you can have a private conversation. It might not be helpful to immediately share everything you don’t like about someone’s idea when it’s just been shared in a group meeting. In fact, I’ve written before that in those situations it’s actually useful to lead with what you like.

But it’s delicate and often uncomfortable when you’re asked—or required—to share feedback with one person. And if you need to deliver some constructive criticism, Grant’s method might help both you and the recipient do a better job.