Which statement about destructive feedback is true?

• A. It focuses on personal qualities rather than job performance.
• B. It focuses on job performance metrics.
• C. It only concerns team outcomes.
• D. It is always encouraging.

Answer: (D)

Destructive feedback typically targets personal traits rather than how the person is performing their job. It focuses on who the person is—their character or abilities—instead of concrete, observable work outcomes. Because it doesn't point to specific, actionable improvements tied to tasks, it tends to erode motivation, trust, and willingness to improve. That’s why the statement describing destructive feedback as focusing on personal qualities rather than job performance is the true characterization.

Describing destructive feedback as centered on job performance metrics would align more with constructive feedback that offers actionable, task-focused guidance. Saying it only concerns team outcomes ignores the harm it can do to individuals’ confidence and sense of value. And claiming it is always encouraging contradicts the typical effect of destructive feedback, which is to demoralize rather than support improvement.