The expression “Approachability Menu” describes a tool to welcome and share feedback on behavior and contribution.

The tool has these objectives.

1. Maximize helpful feedback for teamwork communication

2. Minimize ambiguous, unhelpful, and counterproductive feedback

3. Shape a culture of approachability and coachability

4. Minimize effort to share feedback

5. Prevent undesirable behaviors and misplaced feedback from persisting longer than a month

The title “Approachability Menu” is a riff off a restaurant menu which has a finite number of options to choose from. More specifically, the expression is inspired by song lyrics, “Have some of column A. Try all of Column B!” (1992 movie “Aladdin”). The tool features two columns for users to convey whether they want more (column A) or less (column B) of a certain behavior.

Innovation practitioners use this tool to improve feedback routines and to shape a culture of psychological safety, confidence, and humility. Approachability is a collaborative advantage.