26 Apr Feedback Is Broken , And Leaders Are Breaking It
Many leaders believe they are giving helpful feedback.
But their teams often experience it as criticism, confusion, or failure.
Feedback is not just information. It is an interpretation.
If feedback feels vague, unsafe, or overly focused on the past, the brain treats it like a threat. Cortisol rises. Learning shuts down. Innovation disappears.
Great leaders don’t just give feedback. They create clarity.
They shift:
• From correction to coaching
• From criticism to curiosity
• From feedback to feedforward
Leader Tip:
• Be specific instead of vague
“Be more strategic” does not help someone improve
• Speak into the future
Focus on what can be done differently next time
• Check for understanding
Ask: “What did you hear me say and what will you do next?”
Great feedback doesn’t make people smaller.
It helps them grow.
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