Melinda French Gates has revealed a 48-hour rule for criticising employees, allowing herself time to reflect before raising concerns about their work.
“If I’m unhappy with work you have done, you will hear from me within 48 hours,” French Gates told Bloomberg’s Leaders With Francine Lacqua podcast.
She said she did not necessarily respond immediately because she needed time to think, particularly when she was angry. “That’s on me,” she added, referring to the need to calm down before speaking.
French Gates said the approach was intended to ensure feedback was delivered with honesty and consideration. If the 48-hour period passed without criticism, employees could take that as confirmation that their work had been satisfactory.
“If they pass the 48-hour mark, they can be confident that the job they did was a good job,” she said. “You’re not going to get to your performance review and have a surprise.”
Melinda French Gates on clear and respectful feedback
French Gates described the policy as a way of preserving both her own integrity and the dignity of the person receiving the feedback.
“Being clear is kind,” she said, explaining that direct feedback gave colleagues the opportunity to improve. She added that difficult conversations should be approached in a way that was “gracious, thoughtful, before you go into it”.
Her method differs from the more immediate and uncompromising style associated with Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates. Dalio has promoted what he calls “radical transparency”, in which employees are expected to offer unfiltered criticism in real time.
Microsoft chief executive Satya Nadella has taken another approach, seeking to move the company from a “know-it-all” culture towards one based on learning, humility, curiosity and psychological safety.
French Gates, who co-chaired the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation from 2000 until stepping down in 2024, said she was not opposed to disagreement. “I don’t mind conflict,” she told Bloomberg. “I learned to do it in a way for me that maintained my integrity.”
She now runs Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation organisation she founded in 2015 to advance opportunities for women and families in the US.
